What key concept did B.F. Skinner contribute to education?

B.F. Skinner's significant contribution to education lies in the concept of operant conditioning. This theory emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. In the context of education, operant conditioning suggests that behaviors can be increased or decreased through the use of rewards (reinforcements) or consequences (punishments). This means that when students are positively reinforced for desired behaviors, they are more likely to repeat those behaviors in the future. Skinner's ideas have influenced teaching strategies that focus on behavior modification, classroom management, and the use of incentives to encourage learning.

The other options reflect different educational theories. Classical conditioning, associated with Ivan Pavlov, involves the association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a learned response, which is less relevant to direct educational practices. Cognitive development, a concept advanced by Jean Piaget, focuses on how children learn and process information, emphasizing mental cognitive skills rather than behavioral outcomes. Constructivist learning, championed by theorists like Lev Vygotsky and others, centers around learners constructing knowledge through experiences and social interactions, which differs from Skinner's behaviorist approach.