1.
Behaviorism
Behaviorism is the theory that describes learning is due to
an observable change in behavior. The behaviors are sometimes learned in the
process. In this theory, the learners observe the information, practice the
information and then receive reinforcement through praise. In a Behaviorist
classroom learning takes place through acquiring facts, concepts and skills. In
this type of classroom one may observe a reward system for positive learning
behavior. There may be a money system where the students earn classroom buck to
spend at a later time. Also, there may be progress charts visible. In this
classroom, there may be contracts on a particular student’s desk. Also, the
learners will be receiving effective praise in small and large accomplishments.
Also, the teacher reinforces for both positive and negative behavior. The
teacher is a supervisor in the Behaviorist classroom. Finally in this classroom
there may be an emphasis on mastery learning with rewards and consequences in
place. Learning from the behaviorist point of view involves gaining knowledge
from observable behavior. Because of this, behaviorist influenced technology
occurs through drills and practice. This type of software focuses on skill
building by using the method of observing a particular skill and practicing the
skill. Most drill and practice software gives instant feedback by telling the
user whether the answer is correct or incorrect. Some examples of drill and practice
software are Math Blaster, Learn to Speak Spanish and Numbers Munchers.
2. Cognitivism
Cognitivism is the theory that
describes how information is processed to produce learning. It is the change in
a learner’s mental behavior. Cognitive theory looks at how information travels
from the sensory memory to the working memory to the long-term memory. This theory
focuses on gaining and maintaining the learner’s attention. After the learner’s
attention is gained, then rehearsal and visuals are used to move the
information in the memories. Reinforcement is used primarily as feedback
(Woolfolk, 2004). In a Cognitive classroom learning takes place through using
strategies to acquire facts, skills and concepts. In this type of classroom one
may observe the teacher using props and various methods to gain the learner’s
attention. Also, one may observe the use of visuals such as outline and graphic
organizers to connect the information in the learner’s memory. In this
classroom there may be evidence of grouping smaller pieces of information into
larger groups of information. One will witness some repetition and review in
the classroom. Also, one may witness mnemonics to remember formulas and facts.
The teacher serves as a modeler of strategies in the Cognitive classroom.
Finally one will witness the application of various learning strategies such as
Review, Examine, Ask, DO, and Summarize. Learning from the Cognitive point of
view involves mimicking the human thought process. The technology focuses on
thinking like a person. This type of technology uses animations to keep the
learner’s attention and use chunking to present the information.
3. Constructivism
Constructivism
is the theory that describes learning to due to the construction of knowledge.
The theory focuses on the understanding the information. A big component of
Constructivism is socializing. The learners are posed with guiding questions
and the learners work together to acquire the new information. In a
Constructivist classroom learning takes place through retrieving prior
knowledge and collaborating to acquire new knowledge. In this type of classroom
one may observe learners working in groups. The learners are discussing a
possible solution to a particular problem or task. One will observe the teacher
moving from group to group assisting in the discussion and asking relevant
questions. The teacher serves as a facilitator in the Constructivist classroom.
In this particular classroom the learners are in charge of their own learning.
The learners in this classroom are producing authentic tasks and artifacts. The
learners have a choice in their presentation and products. Learning from the
Constructive point of view involves building knowledge collaborative through
investigations and problem solving. Constructivism and technology is not
limited to one type of software. Learners may use technology to research
information to help in solving an authentic problem. For example, the learners
may investigate how to eat healthy. The learners can use the internet or books
to search for relevant information. Learners may use multimedia software to
create an authentic product to their problem. Learners may use LCD projectors
to present their product. Learners may use technology to exchange information,
email or chats.
.
4.
Humanism
Humanism was developed as an educational philosophy by Rousseau
(1712-1778) and Pestalozzi, who emphasized nature and the basic goodness of
humans, understanding through the senses, and education as a gradual and
unhurried process in which the development of human character follows the
unfolding of nature. Educators who believe in the humanist
philosophy of education create an environment where the student is primarily
responsible for learning, emphasizing freedom of choice with regards to the
learning process. The student is the director of learning, while the educator
serves as a facilitator or “guide”. The educator seeks to maximize the
student’s personal growth and support the student in becoming a mature human
being, while at the same time taking care to be non-authoritarian in their
methods which creates a liberating learning environment for the student. Human
being –as an individual- is both,means and aim of education.Humanistic
education considers human qualities:Values, interests, beliefs, freedom,imagination,
creativity, historic memory,
Hope.
It is linked to knowledge as a way to understand the world, to become fully
developed in it, and contribute to make our society better.
