ECS 203 Blog Post #4: The Three Learning Theories and The Models of Curriculum

 This week, we were assigned to read articles about the three learning theories. The three learning theories are behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism. In class, we have been learning about the models of curriculum, product, process, and praxis. In my blog, I will discuss what I understand of the three learning models and how they connect with the curriculum models. 

The first learning theory is behaviourism, which has an objective learning approach. The "objectivist teacher" controls what the students learn and how they are taught in the classroom. The theory is based on teachers reinforcing rewards or punishments. Students are rewarded for doing what is expected of them and are punished or considered "bad" if they do not learn how they are expected. Behaviourism was developed in the 1920s and is similar to the product model of curriculum. In the product model, students have no voice and are expected to listen and memorize what the teacher is lecturing. I have seen this theory displayed in my elementary classrooms when we would get rewarded at the end of the week if we showed good behaviour around the school for a certain amount of days. 

The second learning theory is cognitivism, which focuses more on the thinking and mental processes of learning. Most cognitivism theories used are based on Bloom's taxonomy, and it is the development of learning skills. Learners are taught how to learn, and it helps build stronger mental processes for future learning. Cognitivists help us understand how humans can take in information and how different conditions can affect a learner's mental state. This theory is connected to the process model of curriculum and is in between the two other models. One of the outcomes of the process model is to develop critical thinkers. This learning theory helps with students' cognitive development and how they can creatively think, comprehend, etc. They are similar because teachers and students have more freedom regarding what they are leaning about and how they are learning. I experienced this type of learning when I was encouraged to be involved in class discussion and think of deeper questions of what and why we were learning. 

The final learning theory is constructivism, and it is big on consciousness, free will and social influences on learning. We learn from our own experiences, and we grow from those past experiences. This theory is more engaging and interactive with students and teachers because social discussions help solve problems and learn new things. The constructivism theory connects with the praxis model of curriculum. They both are engaging to all individuals' needs, and students can learn in their different ways. Also, the community is involved in making the world a better place. I can relate to this theory of learning because with certain teachers, my class would work in groups/ pairs, and this would help us all pitch in our ideas and problem-solve questions. 

Works Cited

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 7, 2023 at 6:01 PM

    Hey Morgan! I love reading your blog. It is factual and you write with such confidence. I learnt a lot from your writing such as a better connection of the curriculum models to these theories which is something I found myself struggling with. I experienced most of your own connections as well so I can relate to your understandings! Great read!
    Kalbry

    ReplyDelete

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