Best of Both Worlds
Before reading the two blog post from Bill Kerr and Karl Kapp I was certain that the blogs would be different and argumentative, however they were similiar in so many ways that I agreed with. Cognitivism and behavorism are indeed two theories that has its strengths in the education and learning process and they both have something useful to offer. And, accoriding the Kerr, it seems that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right. Now, it is safe to say that that certain _isms add more ideas and insights of how information processing occurs within the human brain. All of the _isms are necessary and I could not agree with Kerr more. I strongly believe that they all have something to offer once a piece from each _ism is applied effectively. If the _isms are not applied correctly, there is indeed an issue with that theory and this is why most people like to state which one is better than the other. Not simply because of the theory itself, but because they have not studied how to use it correctly to recieve the desired results.
Blogs
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html
Just a question,
ReplyDeleteDo you actively think about the learning theories that you are applying in your teaching?
I can honestly say that I do not. I would not have any idea which theories I am applying unless you asked me to reflect on that knowledge after the fact.
I am just making a little informal survey.
Personally, I do no subconsciously think about the theories that I apply to teaching. With so many demnads put on teachers with standards, and testing, it would be indeed challenging to determine what theory I am using that day. I'm a certain that I am using something and I probably use cognitivism more than behavorism, but I do not think about it on da daily basis!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that each -ism is important and each has its own place and time for use. I think that after this course is over I will be thinking more about how to apply these learning theories in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteThanks KC,
ReplyDeleteNow I can go forth and feel that I am not cheating my students by not thinking about the learning theories that I am employing. I like the way that you put it "it would be indeed challenging to determine what theory I am using that day. I'm a certain that I am using something and I probably use cognitivism more than behavorism, but I do not think about it on da daily basis!" You are so right.
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ReplyDeleteI responded to Eric Harris and Ashley Bridges on July 2.
ReplyDelete