Learning+Theory

 =Learning Theory - Behaviorism and Cognitivism = = =  Although behaviorism and cognitivism have some similarities, such as both stating that learners must be actively involved in the learning process, they differ in how the learning actually occurs.

Behaviorism believes that only behaviors can be observed and studied. The actual mental processes that are occurring cannot be observed and are not something that can be studied. To a behaviorist, we all begin life as minds that are capable of being trained and molded through experience. A critical component of behaviorism is the stimulus or reinforcement. One type of behaviorism, the classical conditioning model, involves tying an otherwise unconnected stimulus to a specific response. The best example that we see among school children is the dismissal bell. At an early age, students learn that the teacher will dismiss them from class when the bell rings. Our students become so successfully conditioned that when a bell rings at school they start to rise out of their seats, whether or not their teacher has dismissed them. The second model of behaviorism, operant conditioning, deals with positive reinforcement. When the desired response is exhibited, a reward is given. Regardless of the model, behaviorism focuses on teaching behaviors in order to create a "learned change" in the student.

The cognitive view of learning also believes that the learner must be active in their learning for a "change" to be learned. The big difference is what cognitivists focus on. Here, the belief is that our behaviors are based on the life experiences that we have internalized. This internalization is what we think of as gaining knowledge. Cognitivism believes that we can study the mental processes that go into making the choices and decisions that we do. They believe that we operate like a computer. We use our "programing," all of our past experiences, to decide what to do in a situation, academic or otherwise. This model believes that as new knowledge is gained, this "programing" becomes modified to reflect the new experiences that the learner has internalized. Since learning is based on internalizing knowledge and experiences, the learner must choose to see value in that knowledge or that experience. The role of the teacher in cognitivism is to not only impart new ideas, but to make sure that the learner sees a value in remembering the new ideas. This is how learning occurs to cognitivists. The learner must make a mental change in order to have a change in their behavior.

Information on Instructional Design models for EDET 722 based on information from: Brown, A. & Green, T. D. (2006). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice. Upper Saddle River: NJ: Pearson