Behaviorism
View of Knowledge
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Knowledge is construed
as a repertoire of
behaviors
No mention of cognitive
processes
It is a set of passive,
mechanical responses
to environmental
stimuli
Cognitive
Constructivism
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View of Learning
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The point of education
is to present the
student with the
appropriate repertoire
of behaviors to specific
stimuli and to reinforce
those responses
through reinforcement
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Social
Constructivism
Knowledge is actively
constructed by learners
and makes reference to
cognitive structures.
Each learner interprets
experiences and
information in the light
of their knowledge,
their stage of cognitive
development, their
cultural background,
their personal history,
etc
Knowledge is actively
constructed by the
learner rather than
passively absorbed
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Learning is a process of
active discovery
The role of the teacher
is to facilitate discovery
by providing resources
and by guiding learners
as they attempt to
assimilate new
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learning is a dynamic
process comprising
successive stages of
adaption to reality
during which learners
actively construct
knowledge by creating
and testing their own
theories of the world
Children learn based on
their stage of social
development
earning is a process of
active discovery
The role of the teacher
is to facilitate discovery
by providing resources
and by guiding learners
4 stages of
development crucial to
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View of Motivation
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knowledge to old and
to modify the old to
accommodate the new
Repetition
small sequences of
tasks
positive reinforcement
positive and negative
reinforcement
motivates students to
learn
Extrinsic motivation
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Learning requires a
major personal
investment on the part
of the learner
Intrinsic motivation
learning
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Implications for
Teaching
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Skill and drill
Positive reinforcement
Good for memorization
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greater importance on
strategies that help
students to actively
assimilate and
accommodate new
material
Learning journals
Study guides
Ungraded tests
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Learning requires a
major personal
investment on the part
of the learner;
however, students only
learn what they are
capable of during that
stage of development
Intrinsic motivation
greater importance on
students controlling
their own learning
through assimilation
and accommodation of
new material
Small steps scaffolded
upon smaller steps