B.F. SKINNER’S LEARNING THEORY AND TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

Abstract

One of the main issues in teaching students with special educational needs is the lack of effective teaching methods that are tailored to individual needs. B.F. Skinner’s learning principles emphasize reinforcement and behaviour shaping, offering methods that can be used to improve learning outcomes and behaviour in special education students. The purpose of this article is to evaluate Skinner’s theory in the context of special education and to examine various teaching approaches based on this theory. The methodology used involves a literature review, analysing recent articles on the application of Skinner’s theory in teaching special education students. This study explores how positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and behaviour shaping are utilized in special education teaching strategies. The findings indicate that special education students can achieve higher motivation, reduce negative behaviours, and complete difficult tasks more easily. The implications of this study highlight the importance of teachers planning and implementing teaching approaches that are adapted to the needs of students.