Cognitivism, Behaviorism and Social Learning Theory

The debate continues, which learning theory is the best, the most valuable, the "one"?? There is no single learning theory that will work for everyone. That is what I have come to discover. It can be likened to flavors of ice cream. Everyone has their favorite and that is what they choose for them so that is it. Okay, so scholars should not use ice cream in the comparisons, I apologize. So let's explore the topics, shall we?

Behaviorism, defined by its' Master, B.F. Skinner,  “The objection,” wrote Skinner, “to inner states is not that they do not exist, but that they are not relevant in a functional analysis” (Skinner 1953, p. 35). In other words, Skinner did not agree that humans think on their own. Behaviorism contends that behavior is molded by the environment, not the controlled by the mind (2007).

Kerr (2007), made a good point in arguing for behaviorism when he stated that actions are repeated when followed by a reward. Most could agree, right? I personally thinks this works bests for small children, okay, maybe adolescents as well. It may work for teens in its' other form, which is negative reinforcement for unwanted behavior. As an adult learning, I would bicker that this is not the way it works for me. Well, and maybe it is unbeknownst to me. I found another theory I like better which better describes how I learn and how I model my teaching to others. It is the Social Learning Theory by Bandura which includes the following:

 (1) Attention, including modeled events (distinctiveness, affective valence, complexity, prevalence, functional value) and observer characteristics (sensory capacities, arousal level, perceptual set, past reinforcement)

(2) Retention, including symbolic coding, cognitive organization, symbolic rehearsal, motor rehearsal

(3) Motor Reproduction, including physical capabilities, self-observation of reproduction, accuracy of feedback

(4) Motivation, including external, vicarious and self reinforcement (2009). 

This certainly seems more feasible to me as an ideal learning theory to be applied to many learners.

Thoughts?

http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Skinner, B.F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan.

Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. (2007). Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/behaviorism/

TIP: Theories. Social learning theory. (2009). Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/bandura.html

Critical Elements of a Learning Theory

Critical Elements of a learning theory: Driscoll and Siemens Critique

Critical elements of learning theories include observation, interaction, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, understanding or cognitivism, as well as problem solving and solutions. Driscoll (2000) discussed these critical elements, however, failed to include the theory of cultural reproduction or culture of mathmatics.  Cultural reproduction or enculturation in the educational setting is the passing down of the culture’s important pieces from generation to generation (Leonard, 2002). According to Leonard, (2002) culture of mathematics has the learner develop a mathematical way of thinking in which theories in math and its’ applications can build on their understanding of the world and the society in which they live.

Siemens (2008) applies a more in-depth conveyance of the different learning theories through the five questions  to identify them. They include:

 1. How does learning occur? 

2. What factors influence learning? 

3. What is the role of memory? 

4. How does transfer occur? 

5. What types of learning are best explained by this theory?

In addition, Seimens (2008) lays it all out in a table that depicts the theories of behaviourism, cognitivism,  constructivism, and connectivism with the properties of each.

Seimans (2008) also describes the various “metaphors as educators” in a clear, concise manner. Each educator is set in a role that promotes learning through various methods of understanding. The educator as master artist permits students to work in a setting that inspires creativity and open-mindedness, allowing their ideas to flow unrestricted. The educator as network administrator enables students to build networks of communication with each other. Educator as concierge guides students to find the resources needed to build on their learning experience, similar to the educator as curator, where the teacher will “foster and encourage learner exploration” (Seimens, 2008,p.17).

There is not one specific model that an instructor should or “needs to” take in order to facilitate learning, rather, a mixture of the aforementioned models would be necessary in any classroom or online program in order to meet the diversified needs of students.

Reference:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3^rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Leonard, D.C. (2002). Learning theories, a to z.  Santa Barbara: Greenwood Publishing.

      Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=vAaQd0ks0p0C

 

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers.

      Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf

How People Learn Best/The Purpose of Learning Theory in Ed Tech

Everyone learns differently. Some students prefer lecture only, others want an interactive class with opportunities to seperate in groups for case study evaluations. We call these two groups "passive" or "active" learners. Whatever the set-up, the bottom line remains unchanged-students need a desire to learn, support, and motivation to be successful. In addition, students need to know what to expect from the class as well is what is expected of them. It is my belief that an open communication policy, where students can come voice their needs or concerns, is beneficial for both sides of the teaching/learning process.

The purpose of learning theory in educational technology is to "promote learning through communication and interactivity"(Wikipedia, 2009).
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instructional_technology