Through exploring the four learning theories, behaviorism and constructivism “speaks” to me the most. These four leaning theories have different features, but behaviorism and constructivism are connected to my learning and teaching experience most.
Behaviorism is the learning theory that I used most when I was teaching and learning. Its learning process is observable and measurable. Learners are affected by environmental stimuli. Learners will produce a clear and certain outcome through repetition. When I studied in elementary school, teachers used to repeat a same thing in order to reinforce the students’ memories. For example, in mathematics class, teachers were used to teaching a formula though a lot of practices such as test and storytelling. It is a process of repetition and reinforcement of memory. Learners are passive, but they are easier to be motivated to study especially the learners who have not the ability of transforming the concept or formula in their own words.
When I went to the college, my competence of constructing my own meaning and understanding through previous experiences increased a lot. Learning is an active and constructive process. Learners are available to construct their own realities by group work and forum discussions. Learners received all kinds of information through all kinds of methods, and they can connect the new knowledge to the existing knowledge. As a result, new things always come up. Learning is a lifelong process.
I used Kahoot when I was doing a presentation in class, it is a good method to encourage learners to take part in the class. In my opinion, it aligns with the behaviorism and constructivism learning theories. It is effective for teachers to test the students’ knowledge, and teachers can get feedback from students. After that, teachers might improve their teaching plan according to the feedback. Students can also know whether they know knowledge very well.
All in all, the learning theories have their own features. It is great to learn different theories, which means teachers have more choices to teach students in different situations.
References
Bates, T. (2019). Teaching in a Digital Age -2.2 Epistemology and theories of learning. (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/chapter/section-3-2-behaviourism/
I totally agree with your thoughts on behaviorism theory. Positive feedback encourage students and foster the confidence. On the other hand, critical feedback let you improve your knowledge and give chance to expand spectrum of knowledge.
Hello Eden,
I agree with you that when I was in elementary school teachers used to teach us by repeating the formulas through practice or test, and they used behaviorism theory for teaching us.
Hello Eden,
I agree with you that when I was in elementary school, teachers used to repeat the formulas through practice or tests, and they used behaviorism theory for teaching.