THEORIES OF LEARNING: BEHAVIORISM, COGNITIVISM, & CONSTRUCTIVISM

Summary

This video explores how teaching practices are influenced by different educational philosophies based on learning theories. It contrasts three primary learning perspectives—behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism—highlighting their views on how humans learn. Behaviorists see learning as shaped by the environment, while cognitivists focus on internal processes, and constructivists emphasize active, social knowledge construction. The video discusses notable learning theories under each perspective and emphasizes the importance for teachers to understand these theories in order to create effective, student-centered teaching methods.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teaching practices are influenced by educational philosophies, which shape the way teachers approach their classrooms.
• 😀 Learning theories are grouped into three perspectives: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, each offering different views on how humans learn.
• 😀 Behaviorism compares the human mind to a blank slate (tabula rasa), where behavior is shaped by the environment.
• 😀 Cognitivism compares the human mind to a computer, where information is processed internally, leading to outcomes based on perception and experience.
• 😀 Constructivism views the human mind as a dynamic, interconnected system (like a rhizome), constantly evolving based on interaction with the environment.
• 😀 Behaviorists believe learning is influenced by external factors, such as reinforcement, shaping behavior through repetition and rewards.
• 😀 Cognitivists emphasize internal processes, focusing on how the brain processes and stores information, moving away from external control.
• 😀 Constructivists combine internal and external factors, where learning is an active process of constructing knowledge through social and environmental interaction.
• 😀 Theories under behaviorism include classical conditioning (Pavlov), operant conditioning (Skinner), and social learning theory (Bandura).
• 😀 Constructivist learning theories, such as Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, emphasize social interaction and guided learning for knowledge construction.
• 😀 Teachers benefit from understanding these learning theories, as it allows them to adapt their teaching methods to meet different student needs and learning styles.

Q & A

What are learning theories and why are they important for teaching?

Learning theories attempt to describe how humans learn, how we create, use, and manage learning resources, and how our teaching methodologies depend on beliefs about how people learn. Understanding these theories is crucial for teachers to design effective lessons and connect with diverse students.

What are the three main perspectives in learning theories?

The three main perspectives are behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Each provides a different view on how humans learn and offers distinct instructional methods.

How do behaviorists view the human mind?

Behaviorists compare the human mind to a blank slate, or 'tabula rasa,' which is shaped by the environment. They believe behavior is influenced by external stimuli rather than internal processes.

How does the cognitive perspective differ from behaviorism?

Cognitivists view the mind like a computer that processes information internally. Unlike behaviorists, they believe that learning is an internal process, focusing on how the brain works rather than on external stimuli.

What metaphor do constructivists use to describe the human mind?

Constructivists compare the human mind to a rhizome, where connections are dynamic and constantly changing. The mind's structure allows for flexibility and adaptation.

What is the role of the teacher according to constructivist learning theory?

In a constructivist classroom, the teacher acts as a guide or facilitator, helping students build their own understanding through interaction with objects, events, and people.

What are the key differences in how behaviorists, cognitivists, and constructivists view learning?

Behaviorists believe learning is influenced by the environment, cognitivists view learning as an internal, cognitive process, and constructivists believe learning is a mix of both internal and external factors, with an emphasis on social interaction and personal construction of knowledge.

How do behaviorists apply their theory in the classroom?

Behaviorists use techniques like repetition and reinforcement to encourage desirable behavior. Positive reinforcement helps students retain information and develop new skills.

What learning theory suggests that learners learn best when information is meaningful and memorable?

Cognitivism suggests that learners learn best when lessons are designed in a way that makes the information meaningful and memorable, as this helps in the processing and retention of information.

What theories fall under the constructivist view?

Notable constructivist theories include Jerome Bruner's spiral curriculum and discovery learning, as well as Lev Vygotsky's social learning theory and concept of the zone of proximal development.