Prompt: Describe an example from your life of when you were taught using each method described in this article: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism?
Behaviorism:
In high school I took Spanish as one of my classes. Each week after learning our new set of words or conjugations we would have a couple of different tests, including one that was auditory. During the test we would listen to the teacher pronounce a word and then we would write it down on paper. If we received a score higher than xx (i.e., 70%) we would get to pick a candy from a bin.
This learning embodies a behaviorist approach because (1) the learning was observable (correct/incorrect), (2) it focused on stimulus-response (hear word then write word), and (3) it used positive reinforcement (for a correct answer).
Cognitivism:
While on one of my co-op work terms I had to learn the program PowerChart. In order to do this I followed a series of structured tutorials that led me through each section of the program. Within was a variety of analogies to help support my recall of where items were located. Additionally, it built on previous knowledge of programs such as MS Word for basic toolbar functionalities.
This learning embodies cognitivism because (1) the tutorials were in a logical/meaningful structure, and (2) use of mental processing by connecting/categorizing information in relation to already known programs.
Constructivism:
Last year I took on the role of fundraising coordinator for my softball team. I branched out to my community to find available opportunities and determine which would be suitable for the team. I chatted with previous fundraising coordinators as well as event managers such as the HarbourCats Foundation. I am now applying what I learnt last year to the events again in a few months.
This learning embodies constructivism because (1) I learnt through real-world experience (reaching out to the community and organizing), and (2) applied adaptive learning by taking what I learnt last year and applying it this year.
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