Journal Article Review - Essay Example

This paper aims to discuss behavior learning theory in relation to student achievement. For this purpose article of A.W. Astin is used which critically discusses the learning behavior of learners along with different influencing factors. Summary of the article Importance of behavioral learning theory in institutions is often neglected and therefore student achievements are greatly compromised. In the article, “Student Involvement: A developmental theory for higher education” the researcher argues that there is a certain mechanism of behavioral learning theory which must be followed so as to increase the chances of student achievement.

This behavioral mechanism typically deals with the social and academic development of students. For instance, students belong to a diverse group of individuals and hence their learning capabilities are entirely different and therefore they quickly absorb the behavioral pattern of one another. However, if the overall learning environment of the institution is based on behavioral mechanism then it facilitates them to achieve something beyond their predefined goals (Astin, 1984). This can be further understood by analyzing the different behaviors of students such as the optimum level to which students work for their academic achievement, interests in different subjects and the overall environment which influences their studying behavior.

But in this regard the behavior of intelligent students plays the most significant role. For instance, the sharp students within an institutional setting give huge academic challenge to average students while on the other hand they also facilitate them in overcoming certain academic hurdles through their behavior. This is highly beneficial for the overall student development as they begin to learn and compete with others at an early age. Therefore the school management is required to make such strategies which support and bring together distinguishing groups of individuals hence facilitating them in learning through behavioral theory.

However, this strategy cannot be applied in all situations due to the risk of reverse affects. Institutional management plays a vital role in the overall implementation of behavior learning theory because students’ positive behavior and the relative changes are required to be motivated and reinforced. In addition to this the researcher explains that motivation is an essential part of behavior theory because it acts as a catalyst in advancing the overall goal achievement process. For instance, motivation through rewards actually results in student achievements whereas it also acts as a reinforcing agent (Astin, 1984).

Discussion The learning needs of students all over the world have dramatically changed. Consequently the student involvement has become a greatest concern for educational institutions. In this article researcher has actually replaced the word ‘behavior’ with ‘involvement’ because he firmly believes that student involvement is greatly influenced by the behavioral learning theory. This can be substantiated on the basis of the fact that involvement itself is a behavior which critically defines an individual’s academic success.

Hence increased student involvement is the optimal outcome of behavioral learning theory (Astin, 1984). This has been further justified by a clear emphasis on behavioral theory by stating that it does not only revolve around the