Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

Kerr (2007) asks us if the isms of learning theory are useful for what we think and do.

During the first few years of my learning in the master program for teaching I learned about the different learning theories. The application of these theories did not come into focus for me until I was a seasoned teacher with a few years of experience behind me. To me at the time they each seemed to work separately based on the ideology that they had.

As a seasoned teacher I see now that the ideas of constructing knowledge and learning knowledge through behavior are not really separate at all. Each student takes meaning in different ways and some may go through various stages of each learning theory to create lasting meaning with the content.

Memorizing science terms and being able to apply the terms to real life application is something that is accomplished through the use of both cognitive and behaviorist theory. The students are expected to behave in a certain way and memorize the terms but the deeper learning comes when the use the cognitive theory and relate the terms to their daily life.

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved fromhttp://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Responses to

http://briddicklearningtheories.blogspot.com/2012/12/learning-theory-and-cognitivism-module-2.html

http://georgeoneal62.edublogs.org/2012/12/25/isms-and-learning-theory/

PBL Mind Map

Learning Theory and Educational Technology

1.     What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology? 

People learn best when they make a connection with the knowledge into their ever day life. Students in my science classes often ask how certain topics affect them and once they see the ramifications of say global warming they gain a better understanding and desire to understand the topic. Using investigations and hands on learning is the best way for learners to connect with the instruction. Driscoll (2008), states that knowledge is gained through experience and this is evident in the science classroom with hands on inquiry.

2.     What are the critical elements of a learning theory? Did Driscoll and Siemens miss any key questions or criteria? Provide a thoughtful critique of their discussion of learning theory.

Both Siemens and Driscoll (2008) discuss the ever widening network of the social media age and ways in which learning theory can be applied to the way we learn in this age of information overload. Behaviorism and pragmatists use learned behavior negotiated through experience and thought to learn concepts (Siemens, 2008). A constructivist believes that each learner makes sense of the concept and knowledge within their own mind (Siemens, 2008). Both of these theories and ways of thinking are accurate and lend themselves to my belief in hands on learning. Learners must engage with the content, interact, and create internal meaning for themselves (Siemens, 2008).

3.     Critique Siemens’s “metaphors of educators.” Which of these metaphors best describes the role you believe an instructor should take in a digital classroom or workplace? Is there a better metaphor to reflect your view of the role of instructors

I relate strongly to Siemens (2008) statement that learners must be guided by experts to prevent misconceptions and to gain knowledge. The metaphors used in the text discuss being a curator, concierge, and network administrator. The dual role of guide and expert , curator, that blends the expert and the learner constructing knowledge is the best role for my classroom (Siemens, 2008). The students should be creating their own knowledge through the use of expert guidance with the curriculum. Technology should be navigated by their desire to learn and guided by the instructor.

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and

                    designers. Retrieved from: http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper105/Siemens.pdf