Candace Pattman

Constructivism

Cognitivism

Behaviorism

In this task the writer will discuss three distinct learning theories. These learning theories are listed as follows: constructivism, cognitivism, behaviorism. These theories will be discussed in regards to how beneficial they are to learners. The writer will elaborate on a lesson plan in which these theories are used. The writer will conclude with which process better suits the learners in the classroom.

When Constructivism is Beneficial for LearnersConstructivism is beneficial for learners because

it elicits a student centered environment. Allows teachers and students to share

responsibility and decision making.Example, conducting inquiry and hands on lab

activities. Students are able to construct thoughts and opinions while learning.

When learners transforms information and constructs hypothesis.

When learners utilize mental models and schema to access prior learning.

When Cognitivism is Beneficial for LearnersWhen learning is passive When learning is student directed.An example would be a study review session.

The students would complete their study guides and quiz each other in cooperative learning groups.

When learning is processed and stored and recalled at a later date to enhance learning.

When Behaviorism is Beneficial for LearnersWhen learners need to absorb information in

small units or sections.When observing student response to different

stimuli.When encouraging student response to new

rules or direction.When given praise for positive behavior and

consequences for negative behavior. Example, applying bonus points to lowest

grades for following classroom rules.

Behaviorist Theory—Introduction to Cells Lesson

Learning Theory – Lesson PlanThe learning theory used in the current lesson

plan was the behaviorist theory. This learning theory is based solely on question and answer platform.

The teacher teaches the information and then ask the students questions about the information taught.

These questions gradually increase in difficulty as they build on from previous information taught.

Students are then rewarded for attempting by verbal praise, good grades, or prizes.

Constructivist Theory

The introduction to cells lesson plan can be adapted to align with the constructivist learning theory by making a few changes.

One change that would need to be made is to remove the question answer section. In this theory learners construct their thoughts about how cell are formed and their purpose by reading the text.

Another change would be to change the lesson from direct instruction to a read pair share or cooperative learning group strategy.

In the teacher’s setting the lesson plan that would be most beneficial is the behaviorist theory (Task C). This is the original lesson plan modified. The reason the teacher feels this is the best plan is because in order for learners to do well they must received praise or acknowledgement on some level. With the modifications in place the writer feels that several positive things will be achieved. One of which is the learners eagerness to understand the material and absorb it.

Theories of design help to produce effective instruction by acting as a compass for further learning.

These many design theories provide the teacher with different methods that address many different learning styles.

Design theories help identify the problem and find ways to rectify it.

These design models help to visualize the problem and break in to smaller pieces in efforts to find solutions .

Strengths and Limitations: Wiggins; Gagne;Teaching for Understand (The Harvard model)

Strengths of Wiggins TheoryAssessment is designed before lesson plan.All lesson are driven towards what students

need to know to understand assessment.Lessons are created to concentrate on the

overall take home from the lesson not just one specific point.

Allows teachers to ensure students understand material before assessment, since lessons are around the assessment.

Limitations of WigginsPromotes “teaching to the test”.Only focuses on six facets. Restricts what the teacher can teach.

Teacher only teaches content related to assessment.

Strengths of Gagne’s EventsPresenting the knowledge.Demonstrating the skills.Providing practice with feedback.Leaner receives guidance from teacherAllows the teacher to promote stronger

foundation and structure in objectives.Allows the teacher to see what type of

learning is expected from their students.

Limitations of Gagne’s EventsThe approach does not allow for step

planning.The model is long and drawn out.Goals are not easy to classify as outcomes.Constant repetition can become draining and

not accepted well by students.

Strengths of Teaching for UnderstandingBy including more open

ended questions as designated by the this method the testing rubric becomes stronger.

Emphasis knowledge-recall learning.

Allows students the ability to develop a concrete understanding of information.

By identifying the desired results the teacher is able to predict the concepts and student outcomes.

Meaningful assessments allow the teacher construct quality task situations.

Weaknesses of Teaching for UnderstandingThe amount of time spent in stage one.

The design method is very complex.Numerous training sessions is needed to fully understand the process.

The teacher must predict the student knowledge level before assessing them

Wiggins Backward Design Process

In the writers opinion the design that would be most effective in the writers’ 10th -12th grade science classroom is Wiggins Backward Design. The reason this design process would be most effective is because it would ensure that each student learned the information needed to master the test. This method also ensures that the students understand the information needed to be successful in other science courses

Wiggins method best suits the content being taught because science is a subject that requires students to use the information throughout life.

Wiggins method allows the teacher to position the lesson in terms of “What will they remember about this topic in five years?”

Wiggins focuses on six facets that are important to the way in which the teacher presents their lesson.

Specifically, in science class explaining, interpreting, and applying are very key concepts that ensures that experiments are done correctly.

As stated on the previous slide the instructional setting that this design is used in is a science classroom.

The writer feels that this design allows the students as well as the teacher the ability to a understand the information presented thoroughly.

By working backward, the students learn all the information need to be successful and the teacher has a guide for lesson plans and lab activities.

Brown, J. L. (2004). Making the Most of Understanding by Design. Chicago: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve.

Culatta, R. (2011). Behaviorist Learning Theory. Retrieved 02 09, 2013, from Innovative Learning: http://www.innovativelearning.com/teaching/behaviorism.html

Kearsley, G. (2011). Constructivist Theory (Jerome Bruner). Retrieved 02 09, 2013, from Instructional Design: http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/constructivist.html

Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Why "backward" is best. Retrieved 02 09, 2013, from Ubdexchange: http://www.ubdexchange.org/resources/backwards.html