While most people think of Skinner's bar pressing rats and Pavlov's drooling dogs, there is much more to the theory and science of behaviorism. In practical terms, behaviorism asserts that learning occurs as behaviors are conditioned. Specifically, as reinforcement is received behaviors will always increase. As punishment is applied behaviors will decrease. The desired outcome is a marked increase in target behaviors.

You can see the impact of behaviorism in the systems of grading and awarding points for performance. When the learner exhibits the desireable behavior, the reward is given. When they fail to exhibit the target actions, consequences follow.

Keep in mind that the aim of behavioral intervention is to increase desirable responses and decrease undesirable responses. The skill of the educator is evidenced in their ability to monitor and effectively intervene with multiple simultaneous learners. This is not an easy task.