Haley Moore

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Reflection Paper #1

The Importance of Different Learning Theories in Education

Behaviorism is a learning theory that only focuses on objectively observable

behaviors and discounts any independent activities of the mind (“Behaviorism”, 2014).

Behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new behavior

based on environmental conditions (“Behaviorism”, 2014). Next, the cognitive theory

defines learning as "a semi-permanent change in mental processes or associations

(“Cognitivism”, n.d.). Cognitivists do not require an outward exhibition of learning but

focus more on the internal processes and connections that take place during learning

(Cognitivism n.d.). Lastly, Constructivism is a learning theory found in psychology which

explains how people might acquire knowledge and learn (Constructivism, n.d.). It

therefore has direct application to education. The theory suggests that humans

construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences (Constructivism, n.d.).

While very few other theories have responded to the urgency of proficient

educational outcomes, behaviorism has enjoyed an illustrious relationship with

education; in many instances it has extended and expanded to address the unique

needs of the educational institution (Bryant, Vincent, Shaqlaih, & Moss, 2013). The

primary goal of behaviorism is to promote the scientific study of human behavior

(Bryant, Vincent, Shaqlaih, & Moss, 2013). Now when it comes to cognitivism it is

important for the classroom to include meaningful learning, elaboration, and

organization. Create an environment where there are lots of tools where they can
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develop an understanding (“Cognitivism”, n.d.). Teachers can ask their students

questions to help refine their thinking for a better understanding. Constructivist teachers

encourage students to constantly assess how the activity is helping them gain

understanding (“What is constructivism?”, n.d.). By questioning themselves and their

strategies, students in the constructivist classroom ideally become "expert learners"

(“What is constructivism?”, n.d.).

As a teacher I think it is important to take a little bit of each learning theory and

try and incorporate it into your teaching. Each child that will come through your

classroom is going to learn differently. As a teacher you have to adapt to every

student’s way of learning and help them learn to the best of their ability. Learning

theories give a deeper look into the mind of different students. Educators need to study

learning theories and understand them to be effective teachers. Each different learning

style will affect kids differently and how they learn. I feel like it would be a little difficult to

learn about the different learning styles but once you get the hang of it, it becomes

second nature and easy to implement.

Learning theories are super important because they link education and research.

Learning is an enduring change in behavior, or the capacity to behave in a given fashion

which results from practice or other forms of experience (Fliptali, n.d.). Learning can

also be looked at as a relative permanent change of behavior as a result of experience

(Fliptali, n.d.). Teachers should prepare the environment that will help learners to learn

such as arranging activities that suit environment (Fliptali, n.d. ).

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Work Cited:

Bryant, L. C., Vincent, R., Shaqlaih, A., & Moss, G. (2013). Behaviorism and behavioral

learning theory. In B. J. Irby, G. Brown, R. Lara-Alecio, & S. Jackson (Eds.), The

handbook of educational theories. (pp. 91–103). Charlotte, NC: IAP Information

Age Publishing. Retrieved from

https://login.proxy.tamuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?d

irect=true&db=psyh&AN=2013-11995-008&site=ehost-live

Constructivism. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://sydney.edu.au/education_social_work/learning_teaching/ict/theory/construc

tivism.shtml

Flipatali, T. (n.d.). GRIN - Learning Theories. Their Influence on Teaching Methods.

Retrieved from https://www.grin.com/document/293498

Behaviorism. (2014, April 14). Retrieved November 7, 2018, from

https://www.funderstanding.com/theory/behaviorism/

Cognitivism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2018, from

http://www.innovativelearning.com/educational_psychology/cognitivism/index.htm

What is constructivism? (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2018, from

https://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/