jan 1, 1954 - Burrhus Frederic (B.F.) Skinner

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B.F. Skinner was an American psychologist and the father of behaviorist theory. Behaviorists believe learning only occurs once an educator observes a change in learner behavior. Skinner coined the term behavioral/operant conditioning, an instructional technique that rewards or punishes learners in order to reinforce positive behavior or cease negative actions.

In 1954, Skinner applied behaviorist theory to instructional design by publishing "The Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching." Skinner's article advocated educators utilize programmed instructional materials; instead of presenting material as a whole, Skinner suggested educators should "present instruction in small steps, require overt responses to frequent questions, provide immediate feedback, and allow for learner self-pacing" (Reiser: "Part II," 2001, pg. 59). Such instruction, Skinner argued, would allow educators to intervene in the learning process to either reward and encourage positive learning, or punish and redirect negative learning.

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