Explain the theoretical roots of cultural transmission, or behaviorism, and the application of this theory to early childhood education

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

John Locke is considered the founding father of behaviorism. He believed that at birth a child's mind is a "tabula rasa," or blank slate. The environment provides information and knowledge to the senses, which over time fills the slate. These experiences create a foundation, and over time and as further development occurs the foundation increases in complexity. Locke believed that developing this foundation should begin in early childhood. Locke's work was extended by John Watson, who established the psychological school of behaviorism. He argued that the environment could effectively control children's behavior. His work paved the way for the behaviorist philosophies of Skinner, who created a system of operant conditioning, which provided today's modern-day applications of shaping and behavior modification. These are applications that are often seen within early childhood environments, although many critics argue that behavioristic principles do not support long-term growth and development.