Classical Conditioning is a foundational psychological principle wherein a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus to elicit a specific response. In the ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom, these conditioning methods can be harnessed to motivate students, reinforce desired behaviors, and enhance overall language acquisition. Below, you’ll find a simplified “periodic table” of classical conditioning techniques, each with a brief overview of how it can be used in teaching English.
Classical Conditioning Techniques
US
Unconditioned Stimulus
A naturally occurring trigger (e.g., praise) that consistently produces a reaction
without prior learning. Pairing it with a neutral stimulus can create strong language-learning associations.
CS
Conditioned Stimulus
Once a neutral stimulus (like a specific phrase or signal), it becomes associated with
a positive or meaningful event, eliciting a learned response in learners.
CR
Conditioned Response
The learned response (e.g., excitement or increased participation) that emerges when the conditioned stimulus is presented,
helping reinforce positive engagement in the classroom.
PR
Positive Reinforcement
Adding a pleasant stimulus (like praise or rewards) immediately after a desired behavior,
encouraging students to repeat the successful behavior.
NR
Negative Reinforcement
Removing an aversive stimulus (like a point deduction) when a correct behavior is displayed,
thereby reinforcing appropriate use of English language.
EX
Extinction
Gradual disappearance of a conditioned response when reinforcement is no longer provided.
Teachers can withhold rewards for undesired language behaviors to diminish them over time.
GN
Generalization
Learners apply a learned response (enthusiasm for speaking) to similar stimuli.
Helps students transfer confident language use to new activities or contexts.
DM
Discrimination
Students learn to respond differently to similar but distinct stimuli (e.g.,
recognizing subtle differences in pronunciation or grammar rules).
SH
Shaping
Rewarding incremental progress toward a desired behavior, such as gradually improved grammar or clarity in speech,
until mastery is achieved.
SD
Systematic Desensitization
Gradually exposing learners to anxiety-inducing tasks (like public speaking)
paired with relaxing or positive experiences to reduce fear.
PS
Pairing Stimuli
Linking a neutral stimulus (like a vocabulary word) with a positive experience (e.g. a fun game)
so students develop a welcoming attitude toward new language items.
BC
Behavior Chaining
Linking small, consecutive skills (pronunciation, sentence formation, conversation)
to form a larger, fluent behavior pattern in ESL learners.
Learn More About Harnessing Classical Conditioning to Teach ESL
Looking to explore more in-depth applications of classical conditioning in your TESOL or ESL classes? Check out the resources below:
- Unlock Student Potential with Classical Conditioning in ESL – Learn practical steps for integrating stimuli and responses to encourage a positive language-learning attitude.
- 3 Ways to Manage Classroom Discipline Positively – Discover how classical conditioning principles reinforce good behavior and reduce disruptions.