I think all of us has experienced behaviorism as learners in our lives where we were rewarded for the right and discouraged for the wrong. The reward reinforced the right behavior which still continues in today’s life though a lot has changed by now with the advancement of technology used in education. In India as a learner, behaviorism was part of my education as the exam system defined the prizes for those who scored first, second and third positions in the class. Besides that, there were group discussions and critical thinking was established through it where constructivism was used. There was use of connectivism also as we were shown movies based on our novels and dramas prescribed in the syllabus. Here in Canada constructivism and connectivism is what I have experienced as a learner as right now with the online learning we are making various connections with each other with the plethora of apps we use and with the sharing of experiences with one another we are constructing new things day by day.
I like both of these theories because they are best used in teaching and learning now a days and make the education more interesting and engaging. Unless students are told to discuss things and their minds with one another and furthermore express themselves and allowed to become creative, they are not going to achieve much from education. Kahoot is one of the apps used in couple of courses in my M.ED program. It makes the topics more interesting and aligns with behaviorism as the student who scores the most in the question/ answer round can be rewarded by the teacher. It really works at the end of any topic or before the start of any quiz as it boosts up students and refreshes their knowledge.
Hi Gagan,
Our thinking is similar in terms of communication and learning. I think it is important to allow students to communicate with each other in order to learn about each other and new things. I really believe in that we learn something from everyone. I always emphasize to my students that I do not have the answers to everything and even I am constantly learning from them, other teachers, family, and friends. It is important for students to know how to socialize with others and value others’ opinions even if it does not align with their thinking in order to be caring and reflective citizens.
Gurreet
Thanks for your thoughts, Gagan.
I agree with your opinion that constructing knowledge and making connections is vital for students in today’s technological world. We have diverse classrooms and students can learn a lot from their peers by making connections. So, a teacher should plan activities which help them to socialize and gain knowledge which will help them to survive in diverse culture and create their own knowledge and make them ready for the 21st century.
Regards
Jaspreet Kaur
Hello Gagan
I really do appreciate your outlook on these theories. I think what stuck with me the most is this quote
” teaching and learning now a days and make the education more interesting and engaging. Unless students are told to discuss things and their minds with one another and furthermore express themselves and allowed to become creative, they are not going to achieve much from education”
I 100% agree, if we do not have an engaged student body learning will not get done, sure homework might get handed in, but will they actually remember what they completed a month down the road. Engagement activates more parts of the brain! I agree on Kahoot, I like using it with in my class, and sometimes have the students create the kahoot for their classmates.