Last week’s class we spent time looking at different learning theories and discussing the appeal each has to offer. As I reflect on some of the ideas presented, it is unique to me how I have changed over the last 15 years in my teaching practices and observations I have made.
Now if I would of saw this graphic when I was in high school, I would of probably agreed- that is when it came to the way I enjoyed learning. In class we discussed behaviourism and instantly I was brought back to my high school Psych 20 class. Our teacher hauled us all up to an auditorium and had a symbol in his hand. He would hit the symbol, then we were directed to do 20 jumping jacks, then record our heart beat. We did this over quite a few times, and then after 10ish minutes, he hit the symbol but we were not to complete the jumping jacks but just measure our heart rate. As crazy as it seemed my heart rate elevated as if I had completed the jumping jacks. That lesson has still stuck with me because of the direct connection and instant behaviour that happened.
Fast forward to when I got my first job as a middle/high school Visual Art, Shop, and PE teacher. Learning through doing was what I preached and practiced with my students. Real hands on kinesthetic learning- Cognitivism. I thought this was the only way and best way. Have my students experience the learning, more so also because that was my safe space. I strived in this learning approach, so I should be able to show my students how to learn the same way.
As I moved into teaching classes that had less direct hands on learning such as ELA 9, Health classes, Social Studies, and even Science (to a point, who doesn’t love experiments that make a loud bang or have flames), I began to understand that not all my students learned best this way. They were all unique, all had their own strengths and weaknesses, challenges, or the differed in how they saw themselves and their own successes. Those lightbulb moments came at different times for students and they constructed their own knowledge- TA DA- Constructivism.
https://www.instructionalcoaches.com/portfolio/constructivism/
As I moved into my current role as administrator and have seen so many different types of learners, ways teachers work to shape lessons to adapt to the multitude of learners they have in their classrooms, it’s truly remarkable what goes into every class lesson, and how class environments are developed.
I try with my classes to allow for as much interaction with the material and connection I can for my students. Relatable experiences, sharing and collaboration, and plenty of reflection. The addition of technology to our educational settings has made these connections even so much easier. Virtual galley visits and the ability to zoom into a Van Gogh painting (try it) is amazing, to see the individual brush strokes. Or have students experience welding with AR, or transported to other experiences they might not typically get to see.
I am always left wondering though what other teachers find to be the most impactful learning theory based on the subject they teach? Do you find yourself gravitating to one theory more that another with certain students or classes? Let me know below in the comments!
Hey Graeme! Loved the post, and I like the design of your blog!
It is an interesting concept to examine how teachers view learning and its impact. It is hard not to relate the theory of connectivism with how each teacher’s experience highly influences the way they teach and view learning. As well, the concept of an anchoring bias then greatly impacts the way we view these theories and our ideas of the acquisition of knowledge. So, it does seem that our own experience can sometimes cloud/blur an objective way to view these various theories in the classroom… and maybe that is okay, but very important to examine how our own bias impacts the lens that we view each of these theories and its application and relevance in the classroom.
Ps, I really did enjoy your various roles in your presentation this past week. The “Mr. Booklet” really hits a piece of history for me!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comment Chris! Yes, I totally agree the lens that we use can at times be impacted by our own biases. It is so important to know the learners we have in our classes and in what ways they learn best to make the most out of the different lessons.
Interesting read and thanks for sharing Graeme. What I Specially like in these blogs is the introspection part of every teacher/trainer. The reflections on how it all began, how we progressed, and where we are with all the learning we have.
As a teacher/trainer/facilitator, and specially an NLP Coach I have picked and choose what best suited with the context and audience and it has mostly been a mix of all 🙂
I used Behaviourism when I wanted response from my audience
Cognitivism is specifically what I have always liked- the perspective that cognitivism has given me is- people construct their reality, their maps of the world and that has greatly enhanced my ability to interact with people around me.
Constructivism has been a best always because I have lived more as a facilitator than a teacher
Thanks Graeme
Couldn’t agree more Mandeep. Knowing the audience will helps best tailor the learning to the individuals. NLP coach sounds like an interesting job! Thanks for the comment.