Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Module 2: Cognitivism and Learning Theory

Module 2:  Cognitivism and Learning Theory

Behaviorism, cognitivism, and connectivism are an integral part of the way that people learn. Though each of them has their differences; they all play vital parts in the learning experience. After reading the two blogs, it is easy to concur that all three of the isms are important in all student’s learning process. According to (Kapp, 2007; Kerr, 2007) it is essential to include multiple learning theories in instructional design presented to the students.

Educators should consider each of the theories while planning lessons that are targeted to an audience of different learners. In Kerr’s blog post, he stresses how each of the theories cannot offer everything that is needed alone (Kerr, 2007).  All three of theories seem to evolve around each other, and all three should be implemented into the instructional design.

As an educator, it is my observation that students learn by doing, and all the theories are essential in the instructional design. Learning experiences that stick are the learning experiences that draw from prior knowledge, and new knowledge builds on the prior knowledge. In this era, students have so many multi-media tools that enhance the learning experiences. These concrete learning experiences help students to move up Bloom’s Taxonomy of higher level thinking.

In conclusion, our brains may be compared to computers; however, there is a vast difference. Computers are programmed by humans. Humans could never be replaced by computers. The human mind could never be cloned. Technology and people need each other to work effectively.  As technologies advances quickly, people have to modify the way that the technology is used in their lives, to improve the way people function. All three of the learning theories evolve around each other, and they interact in individual learning experiences. Educators understand that students have many different learning styles.  

References:

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought. Message posted to http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html 

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker. Message posted to http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html


I have responded to Belinda Van Norman's post, and I have responded to Debra Morris' post.




3 comments:

  1. Sandra,

    I agree with you that each of the "isms" play a vital part in the learning process and lessons that are created for students. I have seen a lot of educational programs develop over recent years that place importance on designing the curriculum to address a variety of learning styles. The text books our school adopted several years back included additional tools, technology and manuals that were set up for the teacher to select her/his approach they would like to take in the implementation of the lesson. These type of tools have come a long way over the past 20 years. Have you experienced this new trend I've seen in your recent adoption of text and teacher materials?

    Debra

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  2. Hi Debra,

    Yes, I agree with you that the types of tools available to students and educators are changing at a fast pace. It seems that the advances are faster than our school budget. For example, our reader basal for second grade is so outdated. It continues to refer to the QCCs which have been long replaced by GPSs. Yet, we have new math books that are great, the instruction design matches the Georgia Performance Standards and the technology that comes with it is awesome.

    Sandra

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  3. Sandra,

    I agree with you that the "isms" play an important role in the learning process. I think that each one contributes to the process, none of them form an all encompassing learning theory. The theories work together differently depending on the situation or the learner. Proving that is probably beyond the scope of this class, however!

    Do you feel that technology has made your job easier as a teacher? Does the technology make it easier for you to formulate lessons? You mentioned the technology that comes with the your new math books, do you use it right out of the box, or do you modify it in some way to meet the needs of your students?

    Thanks!

    Curt

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