Skinner's Behaviourist Theory

A theory of learning which is based on influencing and modifying behaviour through the use of positive (by using rewards) and negative (by applying penalties) reinforcement, called operant conditioning.

The teacher is the knowledge expert form which information flows to a student to absorb. However, this requires the use of repeating information to enable a learner to memorise it, and then recall it, with little requirement to consider gaining further insight of the information or for thinking how this might be applied in different contexts.

Regurgitating information in this way, without applied meaning is of little use to modern adult learners who may wish to ensure the most effective and efficient application of learnt information.

This technique might, however, be useful for preparing for a quiz or similar general knowledge or quick-fire test, where meaning or contextualisation of information is not required.