Behavioral+Learning+Theories

The 3 main behavioral learning theories are behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. These are classical theories that were developed to understand how we learn from infants through adulthood. As teachers, it is important to understand how students learn as individuals in order to convey course curriculum in a way that students will acquire and process the material. These theories all have valid points and can be used at different times for different age levels. Behaviorism is used with younger children mostly to build a foundation of knowledge. Then, cognitivism and constructivism are used for expanding the knowledge base and processing.
 * __Behavioral Learning Theories __**



Behaviorism comes from the observable aspects of learning. New behaviors are learned through conditioning, either classical or operant. Classical conditioning is in response to a positive stimulus. If a student completes a problem correctly they will receive a reward. Operant conditioning is controlling behavior either by a system of reward or punishment. This is done through changing the environment that surrounds the child.
 * __Behaviorism __**

//Activities in classroom: //
 * Games
 * Flash cards
 * Lectures
 * Demonstrations
 * Constant reinforcement

**__Cognitivism __** Cognitive learning is how information is processed. When a student learns a new fact they process, store, locate and provide information from what they have learned. When new information is acquired it must be linked to prior knowledge. Learning is within the students own mental processing.

//Activities in the classroom //:
 * Graphic organizers
 * Concept map
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Summarizing

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Constructivism happens when the learner is constantly building new ideas and concepts. Information is moved from long term memory and is used while creating a knowledge base for a new experience. The student is encouraged to discover in place of the teacher making the connections for the student. The teacher takes a facilitator role within the classroom.
 * __<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.66px;">Constructivism __**

//<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Activities in classroom: //
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Group work
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Experimentation
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Research projects
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Field trips
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Films
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Class discussion

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The following chart displays behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism with the theorists that are associated with them.
 * __<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.66px;">Theorists __**

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">


 * __<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.66px;">Video Link: __**

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Theories of Learning

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> media type="youtube" key="Vq9XIrNGgoQ" height="315" width="560"

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Created by Tara McNulty on February 2, 2013


 * __<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Webiography __**

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">[]

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">[]

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://viking.coe.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/et-it/behavior.htm

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">[]

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://musingsofaneducator-pbonus.blogspot.com/2009/07/cognitivist-view-for-classroom.html

<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">[]