How do behaviorist and humanist approaches differ in terms of classroom motivation?

• A. Behaviorism uses external reinforcement; humanism emphasizes intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and supportive relationships.
• B. Behaviorism emphasizes intrinsic motivation.
• C. Humanism uses external reinforcement.
• D. Both approaches ignore relationships.

Answer: (A)

Motivation in the classroom is shaped by what drives a learner to act. Behaviorist thinking focuses on external reinforcement—rewards or punishments that shape behavior. In practice, this means using things like praise, grades, tokens, or other consequences to encourage desired actions.

Humanist thinking, on the other hand, centers on intrinsic motivation. It values the learner’s sense of autonomy, personal meaning, and growth, and it emphasizes supportive relationships and a caring classroom climate that helps students feel connected and capable.

So the best description blends these ideas: behaviorism relies on external reinforcement to motivate, while humanism emphasizes intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and supportive relationships to foster engagement. The other statements mischaracterize these approaches—for example, suggesting behaviorism emphasizes intrinsic motivation or that humanism uses external reinforcement, or claiming relationships don’t matter.