Learning concepts and applications

Strengthening a desirable behavior in someone can be a challenging experience. The use of psychological theories about learning may help make for a quicker and more effective instructional process. Therefore, adopting these principles in strengthening study skills is more likely to result in positive outcome.

Activity: Increasing study skills

Developing and improving study skills is a gradual and long-term process. This program will incorporate the following skills.

Time management

Effective reading of academic texts

Note taking

Development of academic writing style

Revising and sitting examinations

There will be mentoring of these activities through supervision. Supervision will take the form of checking class activities and assignments as well as oral interviews. This will be done after introduction of the skills. There will also be assessment method featuring periodic continuous assessment tests. The monitoring and assessment will incorporate the use positive and negative reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement

Shaping: as one of the monitoring tools, will be useful in case the learner experiences difficulty at any criterion, here the trainer can back up and repeat previously successful activities

Competence in studying or the objective of acquiring this skill is a Positive reinforcement. Acquisition of a new skill is a good motivation enjoyed especially after the desired behavior. Grading system is also important, as it will be used as an indicator of progress, which will determine the type reinforcement applied. The grading system will be done periodically with the final one at the end of the program. Positive results attract positive reinforcement such as more points, good comments as well as good references.

Negative reinforcement

Negative reinforces will include suspension and expulsion from the program. There will be two reasons for suspension all geared towards one goal, instilling discipline and dedication to the objectives of the program. If the learner continuously performs poorly or if the learner fails to meet, other scheduled requirements such as attendance.

Self-Control Choice Situation

Ito and Kiyoko (1999), investigated the sensitivity of human behavior to various reinforcers and delay in their study Humans' Choice In A Self-Control Choice Situation: Sensitivity To Reinforcer Amount, Reinforcer Delay, And Overall Reinforcement Density. They did this by identifying two reinforcers and varing their ratio in regard to amount as well as delay. The outcome of the study revealed that the choice ratios most of the participants inclined to reinforcers amount than to reinforcer delay. Sensitivity values were high for reinforcer amount in Equation 1 than for reinforcer delay (Ito & Kiyoko, 1999).

Peoples daily routines are guided by self-control. Control of ones emotions, behaviors or even desires. This control is exercised for two reasons, either to obtain reward or to avoid punishment. One way of exercising control is abiding by set laws, peoplebring up their children so that they can be obedient and avoid getting into trouble. Obidience has been found to be an effective way of controlling selfish desres that can lead to punishment.