Theory Project: Reflection
Theories of learning are vital to the understanding of what method of teaching can be the
most effective for your students. Incorporating multiple aspects of different theories can help
create a diverse classroom and immerse the teacher and his/her students into a higher level of
learning. This project consisted of a solid overview of three different learning theories:
constructivism, behaviorism, and humanism. Each theory has its own relationship into how we
learn and a different perspective on this complex subject.
Constructivism is based on experiential learning through real life experiences to construct
knowledge (Liepolt, 2004). It states that people construct their own understanding and
knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. When
we encounter something new, we have to reconcile it with our previous ideas and experience.
This can cause us to possibly change what we believe or discard the new information as
irrelevant. In any case, this theory states that we are active creators of our own knowledge.
In the classroom, the constructivist view of learning can point towards a number of
different teaching practices. In most cases, it usually means encouraging students to use active
techniques, such as experimentation and real-world problem solving, to create more knowledge
and then reflect on and discuss what they are doing and how their understanding is changing. The
teacher makes sure he/she understands the students' prior knowledge and guides the activity to
address this understanding and build onto it.
Behaviorism is a worldview that assumes a learner is essentially passive, responding to
environmental stimuli. The learner begins as a clean slate and behavior is shaped through
positive or negative reinforcement. Both types of reinforcement will increase the probability that
the given behavior will occur again. In contrast, punishment (both negative and positive)
decreases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again (Graham, 2000). The differences
between positive and negative refer to how the stimulus is applied. Positive occurs when the
stimulus is applied while negative is when the stimulus is withheld from the subject. Learning is
therefor defined as a change in behavior in the learner.
Despite varying views on behaviorism's effectiveness in learning, it continues to be used
to teach and motivate in the classroom. Learning is more meaningful and effective when the
students are active. To be able to motivate students, reinforcing effort is needed. Much of their
successes are dependent upon their efforts. Students should be taught the importance of effort
and how to monitor their own efforts. A good example of this is the use of technology to
compare student efforts and outcomes on class assignments and exams. In reinforcing effort,
students are able to see a correlation with effort and achievement. Another example of
behaviorism in the classroom today is homework and practice. Frequent practice of information
is necessary for learning to occur. Homework offers students the opportunity to accomplish this
practice and apply what they have learned. If applied appropriately, homework can be beneficial
in reinforcing learning.
Humanism emphasizes the value of human beings, individually and collectively. This
approach emphasizes an individual's drive towards self-actualization and creativity. The
fundamental belief of humanism is that people are innately good and that mental and social
problems result from deviations from this natural tendency (Association of Humanistic
Psychology, 2013). It encourages viewing ourselves as a whole person rather than the sum of our
parts and encourages self-exploration rather than the study of behavior of other people.
The humanistic classroom provides a holistic approach to learning by keeping the focus
on the child. The student is respected as an individual and is responsible for making decision
about his learning. Humanistic lessons are not set in stone by the teacher. Instead, lessons flow
according to the needs and inquiries of the student. This open approach helps provide emotional
support for the student. A good example of this style of learning is student-centered learning.
This happens when the teacher becomes a facilitator while the students take on the role of
developing the lesson. The student is then able to showcase his creativity in this type of open
classroom, which increases self-esteem and a willingness to learn.
I believe the cognitive scientist I relate to the most would be Abraham Maslow. Maslow
was the “father of humanistic psychology” and had multiple theories in the realm of humanism,
including his hierarchy of needs and self-actualization. According to Maslow, our actions are
motivated in order to achieve certain needs. Maslow's hierarchy suggests that people are
motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other, more advanced needs. This led the
way for understanding how life outside of the classroom can influence the behavior and learning
of a student.
His belief that every person has a strong desire to realize his or her full potential, or to
reach a level of self-actualization, is an idea that I hold very dear. I have an optimistic point of
view and tend to see the good in people. Also, his pursuit on the grounds of how people learn has
laid a foundation for the student-centered classroom which should be implemented far more than
it currently is in secondary schools.
I plan to incorporate multiple ideas from each of the theories into my classroom. One way
of thinking is not appropriate to take without involving other ideals from other theories. Our
brains are far too complex for such a linear way of thinking. I will invoke ways for students to
keep track of their learning and analyze how they are accomplishing tasks. I will also incorporate
days where students will lead the class in a student-centered environment. As I will be teaching
physics in high school, a student-centered environment is necessary for bringing out the inner
physicist in my students. Another necessity for a physics classroom is experimentation and
problem-solving, which will be used nearly every day in my classroom.
My view on today's classroom has drastically changed after researching these theories of
learning. The best way to provide the best for your students is to understand and take advantage
of techniques such as the ones listed in these theories. With our current understanding of how the
brain works, teachers should implement multiple different strategies to create the most diverse
learning environment possible. These theories should also be used to invoke metacognition in the
students. After the realization that their learning can be manipulated, students will begin to push
forward and become better prepared for their future.
Works Cited
Liepolt, Werner. "Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning." Constructivism as a
Paradigm for Teaching and Learning. Thirteen | Ed Online, 2004. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.
Graham, George. "Behaviorism." Stanford University. Stanford University, 26 May 2000. Web.
13 Mar. 2014.
"Association of Humanistic Psychology." Association of Humanistic Psychology. N.p., 2013.
Web. 13 Mar. 2014.