The Four Psychological perspectives of learning are; behaviorist, cognitive, constructivist, and social-psychological. As a teacher you quickly learn that you can not run a classroom on simply on theory. It often takes a combination of learning theories to be a successful teacher. What may work on year may not work the next school year.
The Behaviorist perspective
The behaviorist perspective of learning is when a subject shows permanent change in behavior due to experience or conditioning. Pavlov’s study of dogs suggests behaviors are learned by a stimulus. Pavlov rang a bell before every time the dogs were to be fed, in time the dog would salivate at the sound of the bell, proving that stimulus equals response. This refers to a change in behavior, an external change that we can observe. Often a system of small rewards is set up with students to encourage behavior. We currently use this in our P.B.I.S. program, all positive behavior is reinforced with small rewards.
The Cognitive Perspective.
Piaget suggests there are several levels of learning. Each level of learning builds off the previous level. Each level of learning involves acquiring a new or different of skill. It is important when using this perspective that students can experiment and discover things on their own. I often show students how to use a piece of software by lecturing them on how to it is used, then walk them through it step by step, and finally have them complete something simple on their own through experimenting and discovering. It is my belief that through practice and exploration a student can retain more information.
Constructivism Perspective
I find that constructivism is the perspective I am most comfortable using. I like to do a lot of hands on activities with my students. ED students often need hands on activities to stay engaged in the activity. I enjoy using manipulatives when ever I can in lessons. Especially in math for my students they have to make a connection between an understanding and facts. During an ELA lesson I also ask students to predict what might happen, then reflect on their reading. During my undergraduate work, we focused on the constructivist approach.
Social Psychological Perspective
The social psychological perspective is one that allows students to work in small peer groups. Students feel they have a sense of control over their own learning. It is believed that students can better explain concepts to students on the students level better than a teacher can. It also increases the students comfort zone. In my setting this perspective can be very dangerous. When working with Ed students they often don’t take guidance for other students very well, and things can escalate and explode very easily.
References:
Smaldino, S., Lowther, D., & Russell, J. (2008). Instructional technology and media for learning.
Tina, let me know if you come to Georgia again and maybe we can meet. I enjoyed your blog.
ReplyDeleteGood job. I agree that they need hands on activities. My shop class is a good class for them to take, but supervision is hard when it is just me and 36 students surrounded with power tools and expensive equipment.
ReplyDeleteTina, I have posted a new blog when you get a chance please check it out.
ReplyDeleteTony,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that you have 36 kids in your room at once! Can I ask what your state regulations are on this matter?
Tina,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed you site. Please check out my blog at
alberta'sblog.blogspot,com
I lived in Elmira, NY almost all my life. My daughter was born in Lockport. Its a small world