As an educator various theories of learning has influenced my teaching journey but the one that underpin my classroom practices is constructivism theory. In the initial stage of my teaching, constructivism theory given by Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky has a major impact on my teaching practices. This theory states that the interest of the learners is built through their active engagement in the classroom activities and practices using new material and ideas. It focus on student centered learning, where students construct their knowledge through experiences rather than simply receiving the information from the teacher. In this theory the main task is to create a classroom environment where students find their answers on their own and discover new things and ideas through various activities and group practices.
As I have gained more experience in teaching field and observed more things, I have recognized the importance of social learning in education field. Gradually, I have started integrating Albert Bandura’s Social learning theory in my classroom practices. As per his theory learning takes place within social context, specifically through imitation, modelling and observation. Students learn more while interacting with their peers, teachers and with other people in their surroundings. After observing these things, I have started incorporating collaborative learning practices in my classroom teaching. I have planned the group activities where they observe that how their friends are performing the activities and imitate their actions and was able to perform activities more effectively and efficiently. During these activities they are also learning social etiquettes, as how to deal with peers and friends in the social structure. By incorporating the elements from various theories, I was able to develop a more flexible and student centered approach that helped me to make the teaching learning process more effective. But, I believe that as I go forward in this field my beliefs will continue to shift both as a learner and as an educator as per the changes that takes place in education sector.
Hi Ayushi
Your discussion shows how you have evolved as a teacher by giving shape to different types of teacher theories. So here you have explained with a good explanation that the constructivist theory of Piaget and Lev Vygotsky helps in guiding different types of classroom processes that prioritize student-centred teaching through different types of experience-based activities. It is commendable that you have also explained Bandura’s social learning theory here and explained how important learning can be in a social context. In this way, the teaching process can be shaped by adopting various new tools and principles so that the mindset of continuous learning and adaptation can prove to be important for development in education.