Topic: Learning Theories
One of the struggles I’ve had with learning theories is how the relate to one other. I think this challenge is compounded by the fact that they are always presented in a time linear model.
We always start with behaviorism, then cognitivism, followed by constructivism. Each is described as an “advancement” on the other – that is, cognitivism came about because behaviourism didn’t describe everything. The problem is, that although one was created after the other in order to describe something the previous thing missed, it didn’t always describe things that the previous did. The creation of cognitivism didn’t wipe out the concept of behaviorism, it just provided another view.
Learning theories provide a pedagogical/andragogical basis for understanding how our students learn.There are three sets of learning theory generally used in educational circles, under the headings of:
BEHAVIORISM
Behaviorism is more concerned with behavior than with thinking, feeling, or knowing. It focuses on the objective and observable components of behavior. The behaviorist theories all share some version of stimulus-response mechanisms for learning.
“Teachers must learn how to teach … they need only to be taught more effective ways of teaching.” -B. F. Skinner
- Behaviorism assumes that a learner is essentially passive, responding to environmental stimuli.
- Believes that a learner starts out with a clean slate, and behavior is shaped by positive and negative reinforcement.
- Reinforcement, positive or negative, increases the possibility of an event happening again.
- Punishment, both positive and negative, decreases the possibility of an event happening again.What teachers do under this theory
What teachers do under this theory
- Give the learner immediate feedback.
- Break down the task into small steps
- Repeat the directions as many times as possible
- Work from the most simple to the most complex tasks
- Give positive reinforcement
- Skinner believed that positive reinforcement is more effective in changing behavior then punishment.
- All of these are to be adjusted to be age appropriate
I think that the behavioral theory can be very useful in teaching because;
- Use reinforcement to encourage students to do their best work and to encourage improvement.
- To avoid punishment, unless absolutely necessary.
- Clearly explain my expectations and have clear, printed out and verbally explained, directions to assignments.
- Will always be positive and let my students know that they can do it, and can do it well.
COGNITIVISM
-A Learning theory that focuses on“How information is received, organized, stored, and retrieved by the mind.”
-Using the mind as information processor.
-The use of Instruction should be organized, sequenced, and presented in a manner that is understandable and meaningful to the learners.
–Cognitivism emphasizes Retention and Recall through the use of quality teaching practices.
-Learning is attained through rehearsal and consistent use of the information.
-Retention strategies such as breaking down information and comparing the information to long term storage are great techniques.
As a conclusion
-The best way for a teacher to apply cognitivism in the classroom is to ask questions to help students refine thinking.
-Visual aids are extremely effective when teaching a lesson but they must encourage the connection with the student’s background knowledge.
-The use of flashcards, puzzles or sorting-games can be presented in the classroom activities.
CONSTRUCTIVISM
-A theory that views learning as a process in which the learner constructs knowledge based on their past experiences.
-The teacher only acts as a facilitator who encourages students to explore within a given framework.
-The students may collaborate with others to organize their ideas and learn from each other to construct their own knowledge.
-Constructivism focuses on knowledge construction, not knowledge reproduction.
-Constructivism utilizes interactive teaching strategies to create meaningful contexts that help students construct knowledge based on their own experiences.
-Constructivism can help engage and motivate the students by making them take a more active role in the learning process.
Gais, this is my story! 