Insight: Behavioral Change

“The ultimate goal of education is to bring about behavior that will ensure the survival of the human species, societies, and individuals.” ~ Skinner

B. F. Skinner's claim that the ultimate goal of education is for the survival of the human species is broad but valid and relevant. The legitimacy of this statement can be traced, for one, from the adaptation and evolution of humans. Having learned different coping ways, humans have adapted to the course of the earth and have evolved since. The same skills are the reason why the human race remains alive presently.

The on-going pursuit of education for survival could not be more relevant today. Even before formal schooling, parents take it upon themselves to educate their children in the hopes of preparing them before they navigate the world on their own, all the while shaping their values.

But the idea that education is ultimately for survival is shallow, if not egocentric. Education is a lifetime undertaking that should overall make humans do better. In short, education should also be about behavioral change.

The very act of educating to shape behavior is challenging; the same challenge educators (by profession or by heart) take on. Beyond being complacent and checklist-oriented, real educators aim to spark behavioral change among its learners. It is true, purposeful education will bring forth behavioral change, and only from such will the world gets better for everyone.

Moreover, because we are both learners and educators at different points in our lives, the challenge becomes shared by all of us.

What Maya Angelou once said, "When you know better, you do better," is of great resonance here. Informed actions and intentions are a reflection of a better grasp of something. And such is achieved through a constant pursuit of wonder.

Education for survival is not a bad thing. But with acquiring knowledge comes the responsibility to make sense of it and, in turn, translate it into action. Doing so makes our short time on earth purposeful and meaningful.