Provide a brief summary of your understanding of the three learning theories introduced in the readings (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism). How can you connect these learning theories with the models of curriculum (product, process, and praxis in particular) that we have discussed? What learning theories did you see reflected in your own schooling experiences?
The first learning theory that I will summarize is behaviourism. Behaviourism is teaching to elicit positive responses from students. Human emotions and feelings are translated through an objective lens as behaviourism promotes the idea that a student’s behaviour can be controlled and modified. The desired behaviour is reinforced through the use of reward and punishment. The model that best suits behaviourism would be the product model. The underlying goal of the product model is to mould the student to achieve the desired result. Like the product model, Behaviourism places great value on the result.
The next learning theory that I will discuss is cognitivism. Cognitivism focuses on identifying mental processes that are deemed essential for student learning. Similar to the process model, cognitivism views individuals as active agents in their learning process. Cognitivism analyzes the factors and influences that affect a student’s way of learning and why they learn in that specific manner. Furthermore, the process model reinforces cognitivism by acknowledging the collaboration between students and teachers and the knowledge that they share and absorb. It is the goal of the teacher to identify their student’s way of learning to better adhere to the educational needs of the students.
Finally, Constructivism focuses on emphasizing the significance of consciousness, social influences and free will about learning and ways of knowing. Constructionists theorize that understanding is achieved by the assimilation of information, the ability to relate it to pre-existing knowledge and the cognitive processing of the information. I feel that this theory is best related to both the praxis and process models of curriculum. Constructionists believe that learning is a social process in which communication between students and teachers is essential. However, they also believe that each student consciously seeks out meaning to better understand their environment determined through past experiences and present circumstances.
In my experience, behaviourism is the primary theory I have experienced through my time in schools. An example that I draw upon from my time in school for this theory would be in my grade 3 French immersion class. We were encouraged to practice speaking French by utilizing a ticket system. Students were rewarded with a certain amount of tickets at the beginning of the day, and as the day continued tickets could be lost if a student spoke English outside of the mandatory English classes. students were rewarded for speaking French and punished for speaking English.
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