Reflections on Cognitivism

In reflection on the discussion and lesson plan on cognitivism I realized there is so much more we can do with technology than I ever realized. With technology, there is a wide array of tools available that clearly reflect the principles of cognitivism. Nowadays, software is so evolved that a user can adapt it to his or her liking in almost every way to improve his or her experience! When a student is given a proper cue, or prepares a summary in the proper way, connections are being made right away. Brainstorming and concept mapping software produce great visual representations of the cognitive theory of learning as well. We are making visual connections using this software that represent the exact connections that we are also creating in our mind and that replicate the network model of memory.Virtual field trips are another great example of cognitivism in practice. Students are able to make important visual connections to a particular event or place that they will be able to recall quickly because of the engaging and fascinating experience they just had. There is no doubt in my mind that students today respond much better to the use of tools that stimulate more than one of their senses, which leads to better connections and deeper learning.

Through our group discussions and creating PowerPoint slides I feel like cognitivism is a great way for a student to learn. There are so many different ways to have a child use what they already know about a subject and elaborate on that to allow them to store it in long term memory. The key is making sure you teach it well enough and provide enough stimulation so that this happens. For this reason I think it's important to incorporate different learning strategies into the lesson plans to make sure you are reaching every kind of learner. Although I feel like taking the cognitivist approach to learning is a good method, I would not personally rely on this teaching method alone.

Reflection on Behaviorism

I found out through the Behaviorism course materials and discussions that this learning theory is definitely used in classrooms every day. Not yet having taught in a classroom I can still see how these principles are used. With this learning theory the system is based on rewards and punishments. Behaviorists believe that if you provide positive reinforcement or rewards whenever students perform a desired behavior then it will result in them performing the behavior on their own. This can be used a number of ways…for example the teacher could reward the students with a party for good behavior or on the other end, if the students are bad the teacher can take away certain privileges.

I think that through the discussions and lesson plan critiques I will definitely be able to use the information I have received and apply the behaviorist approach to my classroom when I become a teacher. I have a great group that has been very insightful in showing different ways to apply this to your lesson plans. Most were in the subject of Mathematics, so I have gained some very useful tools to use in the future.

Judging off of what I have learned so far I am looking forward to the next learning theory, which is Cognitivist theory!!