I am convinced that –isms should be used to as filter, but I do not support the idea that all of them can be used at any time during the learning process. I also believe that the time when –isms are used and the place where they are used should be as the needs arise. They should also be applied sometimes as supplemental tools to augment other teaching tools, strategies and theories. In my opinion, the issue is not whether the –isms are viable, but when and where they are applicable.
The
behaviorist approach is not by any means redundant. It can be very useful in
instances where there are concepts that require recall, memorization or labeling
as well as phenomena that require measuring. The fact that learning is a
multifaceted entity, the –isms will fit into some aspect of learning. I
therefore concur with Kerr’s stance of assigning suitable bits of each theory
when creating teaching and learning situations. This is especially applicable
when the learning situation involves technology. Because the learning situation
is so dynamic, it is constantly evolving. As a result, instructional designers
and teachers need to be conversant with the constantly shifting changes on the
learning landscape. In order to cater to the diverse groups of learners, it is
advisable that teachers be creative as they differentiate their learning.
It
would appear as if the behaviorist approach to learning would be more suited to
those at the rudimentary level of learning. By its very nature, behaviorism
screams lower level learners. When information or skills are presented to those
learners, they constantly repeat until they are quite conversant with the
concept.
Cognitive
theory on the other hand, seeks to promote the idea of humans processing information
like a computer. My belief is that whatever information is being processed, it
can be repeated constantly while still processing the information thereby using
both the behaviorist and the cognitive theories giving the learner a more
comprehensive understanding of the learned information. This is using both
theories for the greater good.
Refertences
Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. 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/
Stanford,
ReplyDeleteGood examples of using cognitivism or behaviorism as they apply to the situation. In that sense, isn't that the idea that "isms" can be used at any time in the learning process? It will of course depend on the subject matter, the learner (along with his or her leaning styles /preference). How do you see that isms cannot be used any time? Why would that be detrimental?
I agree with you that there are times when certain -isms work well, while others do not. I teach high school students. During a math unit, we may start with learning terminology and basic material that can be memorized. This can be taught using behaviorism techniques. Then we may learn how to apply these ideas, step by step, to solve an equation. Because of its procedural nature, this uses cognitivism. Near the end of the unit, we may use these new concepts with other concepts and skills to solve a more complicated problem. This may include collaboration with others or collecting and analyzing data. This is within the realm of constructivism. Although we are not using every learning theory at the same time, we are using them in combination throughout the unit.
ReplyDeleteStan,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your post! In it I agree that, as educators, we need to be creative enough to differentiate learning in order to provide each student with what he/she academically needs. I strongly believe that each student is unique and so its learning process. At the same time, sometimes it becomes difficult to meet everyone’s needs at the same time when the student population of your classroom exceeds the maximum; I am thinking more than 30. In my opinion, student motivation becomes crucial in the learning process as we apply the various theories to obtain the best possible academic results.
Thank you for your post.
Gus
Good post. Do you think that new theories need to be developed given the drastic changes to teaching and learning that have recently developed?
ReplyDelete