An an examination on the evolution of behavior and culture published in 1981, B.F Skinner articulates that there are three levels of selection - natural selection, operant conditioning, and culture. From these three levels behavior is derived, behavior being that which an individual does in the form of actions which includes thoughts. Our class was shuttled to a nearby primary Italian primary school to compare both the cultural differences and Montessori method classroom procedures to the situation found in the US. What was found in those Italian classrooms was quite divergent from that of a typical American primary school; The teacher has no real defined desk, did not have direct teaching to the entire class, and considered themselves to be less a teacher while more of “guide". American children are told to sit down, be quiet, and listen to a lecture for long periods of time, Meanwhile, the Montessori methods encourages individual discoveries which they believe to make stronger educational ties. The methods used can be found to more than likely affected by the second level of selection: operant conditioning. In the 1940’s B.F Skinner was able to teach pigeons the ability to guide missiles into warships on the request of the US War Department simply by using food as a positive reinforcement. While not to compare children to pigeons, this can be somewhat analogous to the school. Failure is not heavily used as a negative punishment and instead students are verbally and socially rewarded for discovering solutions to problems by themselves thus propagating independence and self esteem. The secondary school that was examined later was slightly different from its American counterpart - their numbering system for grades is based upon the first year of secondary schooling - a freshman is year one, while in America they would be in 9th grade. They also achieved graduation upon 5 years of schooling with a level of expectation of only 3 years of university if they choose to attend. There’s many different schooling options available as well, while America typically has only 2-3. A viewing of the third level of selection can be found in the expectation that students learn three languages besides native Italian. As Italy is in the E.U with values of diversity and open borders the ability to communicate and resonate with others is conditioned here.
Works Cited
B. F. Skinner Science, New Series, Vol. 213, No. 4507. (Jul. 31, 1981), pp. 501-504.
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