Learning Theories Presentation

Watson and B.F.Skinner are the main contributors to the Behaviorism Learning Theory. Behaviorism considers the learning process as a measurable experience. Repetition, stimulus, and the participants response marks a change of behavior.

Behaviorist are based on the structures and vocabulary of language presented systematically (Gonzalez).

Behaviorism Learning Theory

Strengths:1. It can be used to formulate behavioral contracts in the school as well as at home.2. It is helpful in bringing about behavior modification (desired outcome) with the help of reinforcement, punishment and extinction.3. Cueing responses to behavior allows the learner to react in a predictable way under certain conditions.4. Success of outcomes is easily measurable.5. Guarantees specific learning.6. Ease of application.

(Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism & Connectivism)

Behaviorism Learning Theory Cont’d

Weaknesses:

1. Some critics say that it is an extrapolation of animal behavior to humans.2. Behaviorism fails to explain the development of human languages.3. Effect of environment in shaping the behavior of a human, is not taken into account by the behaviorists.

(Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism & Connectivism)

Behaviorism Learning Theory Cont’d

Vygotsky, Dewey, Piaget and Bruner are the main contributors to the Cognitivism Learning Theory. Cognitivist believe that human beings actually learn from experiences. People are different from animals because they are capable processing information and repetition is not the necessity. Life lessons are like foot prints for the mind. When we experience an event we take it in, process the information, and mentally store it to be retrieved at a later time.

Cognitivism Learning Theory

Strengths: Organized structure to learning: information comes in and is processed into short term memory before being stored away in long term memory. When problems are broken down into smaller parts, learners are not overwhelmed with incoming information and have time to process smaller bits.

Weaknesses: Because learning is very structured, it may become difficult to adapt to changes in what has already been processed and learned.

(Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism & Connectivism)

Cognitivism Learning Theory Cont’d

Behaviorism theory calls for a controlled environment, a planned lesson with a set terminology to be established. Utilizing the theory in the lesson creates the structure and the repetition that most need to retain information.

Cognitivism following the Behaviorism theory begs to differ, stating the mind does create retrievable memories and is capable of processing information in different capacities. This changed the adult learning experience to allow the participants to apply previous experiences, as well as store and prioritize information taking some of the structure and replacing it with feedback to help develop the teacher and the participants.

Both should not be used exclusively; Blending the theories would create a well rounded learning experience.

Cognitivism and Behaviorism impaction on teaching/training

The benefit of the Behaviorism theory is the ease of application to real world cases studies. Information obtained are often presented with statistics and facts, opposed to theoretical concepts and ideas. Apply the theory and achieving a measurable outcome is unambiguous (Heffner, 2011).

Applicability of the Behaviorism theory

It is believed that one has the ability to change mentally which has made the Cognitivism theory popular in the psychology world. Applying the principle that human beings actually learn from experiences. “People are capable to store an experience – Memory. Have the mental power to sustain the experience. Has the Specific Cognitive Abilities to retain information. The Executive Abilities to anticipate, plan, and set priorities and the ability to organize their own cognitive course of action” (Abbie Brown, 2010).

Applicability of the Cognitivism theory

Many Cognitivists have applied cognitive theory to treatment, most notably Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis.  Beck developed several assessment techniques such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) which are both very popular quick assessments of an individual's functioning.

Beck, Ellis, and others see the application of cognitive theory as key in overcoming many negative aspects of personality.  They believe that cognitions always precede behavior and emotion and therefore changing our thoughts will lead to a change in the other two.  Research has provided a good deal of support for this idea, especially concerning depressive disorders, anxiety related disorders, anger, and interpersonal or relational difficulties.  Some research even suggests that cognitive treatment, especially when combined with some behavioral aspects such as relaxation (often called cognitive-behavioral treatment) provides better and more long-lasting results than medication in the treatment of depression (Heffner, 2011). 

Applicability of the Cognitivism theory cont’d

Works Cited

Abbie Brown, P. a. (2010). The Essentials of Instructional Design: Connecting Fundamental Principles with Process & Practice 2nd Edition. In P. a. Abbie Brown, The Essentials of Instructional Design: Connecting Fundamental Principles with Process & Practice (pp. 23-24). Boston, MA, United States: Pearson Education, Inc. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.coursesmart.com/9780135084274/toc01#X2ludGVybmFsX0J2ZGVwRmxhc2hSZWFkZXI/eG1saWQ9OTc4MDEzNTA4NDI3NC8yNA==

Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism & Connectivism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2014, from CI 484 Learning Technologies: http://ci484-learning-technologies.wikispaces.com/Behaviorism,+Cognitivism,+Constructivism+%26+Connectivism

 

Works Cited

Gonzalez, E. V. (n.d.). Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism Theories of Learning. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism Theories of Learning: http://www.google.com/url?url=http://orange.utb.edu/egonzalez1/3320/project%

Heffner, D. C. (2011, November 29). Eating disorder. Retrieved June 21, 2014, from AllPsych: http://allpsych.com/personalitysynopsis/cognitive_application.html