Module 2

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

Module 2 Assignment: The two conversations linked below are examples of fascinating discussions in 2007 on cognitivism and behaviorism among three important thinkers: Bill Kerr, Stephen Downes, and Karl Kapp. Read these two blog posts, and then form a response to post in your own blog.

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

The above listed blogs discuss in varying lengths the different learning theories that have appeared in education over the decades: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, and Connectivism. Many educators will tend to lean towards behaviorism as it is fairly simple to see the connection to learning. A teacher presents a lesson and a student will learn it based on the environmental factors. These can be altered with either positive or negative reinforcements. Then the next shift of learning theories surfaced, known as the "cognitive revolution."

This theory moved from the learner being a passive entity to "...the learner as an active participant in the teaching-learning process." (Saettler, 2004). This particualr theory is one that I can identify with and had often believed to be "my theory". As I read through the above posts and reflect upon past classes and teaching experiences I realize the importance of valuing the basic points of multiple learning theories and being able to "bend" and change if needed to reach my students and grow as an educator.

In a post by Lauren Pressley, she sets out to separate the learning theories and explain the basics of each. Each that we as educators should read, reflect, and act upon in our classrooms based on the needs of our students. This often means revisiting the process each year if needed, to accommodate the changing needs of students for each academic year. This type of reflection can pose a concern for our "veteran" teachers that are sold on one way of teaching rather than changing for the needs of our students.

I think it is important to see the value in the post from Bill Kerr, "It seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right." As educators it is necessary to view all learning theories and not simply decide which one is right or wrong but which one or ones can help me reach my students in the best way possible. Additional


References:
Saettler, P. (2004). The Evolution of American Educational Technology. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.