What it says. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and how consequences shape it. Behavior that is reinforced tends to recur; behavior that is not tends to fade. It says little about the thinking in between, which later theories address, but its insights about practice, feedback, and reinforcement remain useful.

What it means for your teaching. Clear expectations, regular practice, and prompt feedback all draw on behaviorist insights. Reinforce the behaviors you want, such as participation and steady effort, with timely, specific responses. Be aware of the limits: rewards can crowd out interest if overused, and behaviorism alone explains performance, not understanding.