Learning Theories

Do humans learn using just one approach?

There are a plethora of learning theories and various approaches depicting the best approach to learning. There seems to be much debate over which theory, behaviorism or cognitivism is the most accepted approach to learning. As stated in the blog, Kerr (2007) questions –isms and if they are even necessary or if we should be more pragmatic and cherry pick different useful ideas from various theories. I think that the task being taught would direct the approach taken, knowing fully that actions, which are followed by rewards, are often repeated. Further, to determine that behaviorism is “dead” would debunk the current trend in generate and test, a core concept of behaviorism. Educators are given a guide (core content standards) and a timeline for covering the concepts, the students are tested.

Within a classroom environment, the teacher may utilize any given number if –isms throughout the day, including behaviorism (rewards, point systems, grades) and cognitivism (recognition, inference). It would seem that the most well rounded approach would incorporate a variety of theories to best accommodate the various learning styles and personalities of the students. For as Stephens (2007) stated, the learner is a complex information processing system and we as educators must be able to access that system and keep it functioning at the top of the game.

I concur with Kerr (2007) in that each –ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right. We need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively further creating a solid educational experience for our learners (Kapp, 2007).


References:

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and about: discussion on educational schools of thought. http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Kerr, B. (2007). _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved March 31, 2010, from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html