Cognitivism and Learning Theory
Both cognitivism and behaviorism play a role in our classrooms today. The behaviorist theory transcends into a teaching method that is teacher-centered. Perhaps the teacher creates a lesson that includes lecture, notes, demonstrations and modeling. The cognitivist theory is more student-centered, where students actively pursue their own learning. They complete their own research, collaborate with peers, and participate in self-reflection, self-assessment and group discussions. Both of these learning theories, cognitivism and behaviorism provide different approaches for teachers to choose and implement appropriately with their students.
According to Kerr (2007), “Because how else could we have a big change without a theory to justify it and help us think about it?” This thought provoking question invites us to see why learning theories are so imperative for helping teachers to reflect on the effectiveness of their instructional methods. I also think that with the exponential growth of information available on the computer, we are presently living a change in the educational process. Students are able to access information online and participate in blogs, discussions, and wikis. The cognitivist approach to understanding learning where the student is self-directing is evident in distance learning. In the traditional classroom, teachers can implement problem-based learning that would support the cognitivist theory or a teacher can use a more structured design that would help a more needy group of learners.
For me, teaching seems to improve with the more information I can gather. This includes learning as much information about my students, learning as much information about learning theories, learning as many tricks of the trade, and as many technological tools I can integrate into my classroom instruction. Nothing stays stagnant. All learning and interactions should be dynamic and up to date with the changing world around us.
Kapp (2007) summed it up well, when he stated, “Cognitivism doesn’t explain 100% how humans process information and neither does constructivism or behaviorism. What we need is to take the best from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners. “
References
Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). isms as filter, not blinker Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/
Karen,
ReplyDeleteI think Kapp summed it up quite well. Teaching requires many different tactics and theories. I am always doing research or reading a book on this school/classroom problem or that one. I can't implement all the good ideas I learn. However, I can take the best and implement a few this year and then a few next year. Currently I am reading TEACH LIKE A CHAMP by Lamov. It is pretty awesome and it is giving me so many ideas for next year. However, it is impractical for me to think that I can use them all next year. I will cull out the best ideas and implement them first. I will be "teaching like a champ" soon.
Aimee
Karen,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog post. I think learning theories provide teachers with information about the ways that students learn. Teachers should gather as much information as possible about the ways that students learn. This enables the teacher to choose the proper technology and instructional strategy to address the students learning styles.
Marion Bush
Patrick LaPollo's Response to Karen's Module 2 Post
ReplyDeleteKaren:
Insightful post. I agree that there are variables that must be considered when determining which theory is best. Do you believe that different age groups perform better with different theories or is it relative?
-Patrick
Karen,
ReplyDeleteKapp did a wonderful job explaining that a learning theory does not explain 100% of how students learn. I sense that you are always adding to your repertoire and utilize the eclectic approach. In my blog post, I summed this up by explaining that teachers are "pickers" that select what pertains to the best learning opportunities for the learners.
It is always interesting when an individual is always trying to sell the one size fits all approach to learning. This is what a colleague of mine explained why we have a door we close and do what is important.
Thanks,
Kevin