Learning Theory

(For a summary of the Behaviorist Theory read my previous post.)

Cognitivism was created in reaction to the Behaviorist Theory. The Cognitivists theory states that in order to understand learning the black box needs to be opened. In order to truly learn something the cognitive structures in the mind has to mirror the structures of reality that exists outside of the mind. Similar to a computer information is coded into the mind where it can be retrieved. Unlike Behaviorism, it is not actions that demonstrate learning but it is the individual's "mind structure and the representations developed" in that mind.

Unlike Behaviorism and Cognitivism, Constructivism believes that reality is not absolute but reality and knowledge is subjective and relative to the individual and his environment. Knowledge is what the individual constructs it to be from experiences and their is no one true reality.

I have been asked several times what learning theory I agree most with. It is a difficult question to answer. I will say that I agree with Cognitivism in that I think the mind has the ability to code information for later retrieval. I also would agree with Paivio theory of dual-coding which states that information is not necessarily coded separately or independently. Information such as words or images can be linked together improving recall. I also in part believe Soioculturalism and more specifically Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). I also hold to the Behaviorists view of the power of reinforcement to change behavior and fertilize the soil for true learning (although, I think most of Behaviorism is just "fertilizer").

I also believe that situated learning is important for students to become life long learners. Situated learning stresses the importance of learning by doing and engaging the student in real problem solving activities. That information should not be islands by themselves but should be linked to real world context. Brown, Commins, and Duguid (1989) point out that students in schools are too often simply given tools but they are never shown or required to actually use them. They go on to say that students may be successful in school not because they truly understand the content but because they have learned the school's culture. They stress that it is important to teach them the culture of the subject by having practice it much like an apprentice.

Similarly, I was always told to have my students discover information. For years I really struggled how to do that. It wasn't until I went on a couple of archeological digs and became familiar with that culture that I figured it out. I began showing my students pictures of artifacts and then letting them do the problem solving and teaching themselves and peers about the culture of that civilization. I was amazed how well the students were able to do it and their retention was amazing!

The article said, "some students feel it necessary to disguise effective strategies so that teachers believe the problems have been solved in the approved way." That made me think of these pictures.