The process of learning has been viewed from different perspectives. The different learning theories surrounding learning are topics of discussion. Behaviorism and Cognitivism are two popular theories of learning. Siemens (2008) believes behaviorism looks at visual outcomes or behaviours from an outside view of the learner and can be controlled versus the internal processes within the learner that are not known (p. 9). Bill Kerr believes learning theories are useful in the learning process, although he is not in total agreement with behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
Cognitivism presents the learning process as being similar to computer processing (Siemens, 2008, p. 9). Karl Knapp and Kerr agree that cognitivism does not account totally for the learning process in humans and the same can be said for constructivism and behaviorism. The different learning theories present learning in a different manner, but different learning theories are good for certain learning situations. I agree with Knapp’s perspective that that the theories are linked together as he stated cognitivism is a follow-on to behaviorism. The belief aligns with Siemens (2008) view of constructivism that interlinks with cognitivism and allows the learner to conclude understanding from the situation (p. 9) .
References
Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/
Siemens, G. (2008). 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
Howdy Sullus,
ReplyDeleteI see(read) that you agree with collective consenus of Kerr, Kapp, and Siemens regarding how learning theories build upon each other and each alone cannot accurately predict or describe how we learn. But I'm curious to aspects of theories we've looked at so far that you find a little difficult to believe in or that you just plain disagree.
Requesting input,
Sharmaine
Hi Sullis
ReplyDeleteI concur that each learning theory has its attributes. Do you think we need a fourth theory that calms the bickering between these three camps.
Gary
Hi Sullus
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that each of the learning theories are good for different learning situations. Do you think any of these theories has a more universal approach, can be used in more learning situations than others. Or do you think that they are all about equal?
Jamie Washington
Hello Sharmaine,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. The one aspect of the behaviourism theory that I believe society does not adhere to is not knowing what is going on or taken place inside the learner. I believe society attempts to anticipate the internal processes within the learner based upon previous outcomes that suggests a pattern. Good question!
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Sullus
Hello Gary,
ReplyDeleteI believe there will be constant debate about learning theories. I do not feel we need a fourth theory to satisfy a portion of society. Instructional designers, instructors, and other educators must fully understand the existing theories and consider the principles behind the theories when creating and providing instructional material.
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Sullus
Hello Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. The most universal approach theory, in my opinion, would be constructivism. I base constructivism as the universal approach because of the large amount of information taken and used for research that results in some type of conclusion that may or may not assist in the learning process. Constructivism also has major ground work in interpretivism, which is one of the three epistemological frameworks for learning (Siemens, 2008, p. 9).
Reference
Siemens, G. (2008). 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
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Sullus
Cognitivism compares the learning process to computer processing. Cognitive information processing suggests that storing information is encoding on the memory for later retrieval as an internal process of learning not necessarily expressed in external behavior. Educational technology enhances the process of cognitive learning by expanding the limitations of the minds in knowledge acquisition.
ReplyDeletecognitivism stemmed from behaviorism and has led to constructivism. Cognitivism focuses on the inner mental activities by examining the mind to better understand the process of learning.