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Learning Theories
Cognitivism, Constructivism and Behaviorism
Behaviorism
Concern is placed on the observable and quantifiable behavior. Learning is the process of reacting to external stimuli. Focus on feedback systems (rewards and punishments) to shape behavior. Similar to how dogs are trained; see a behavior present a reward or punishment. Ideal for promoting a desired behavior or learning a process or routine.
Constructivism
The learner is active in creating their own understanding and knowledge through experiences. Focus on reflection on experiences to create knowledge. Teacher is facilitator of experiences and less the provider of knowledge. Ideal for learning how to apply already learned knowledge.
Cognitivism
Response to behaviorism that states that people are not programmed animals.
Lesson PLan
Grade Level:
8th Grade
Subject:
U.S. History
Title:
Overview/ Purpose
Purpose of this lesson is to teach students about the U.S. & Mexican War.
Objectives
SWBAT explain when and why the U.S. & Mexican War Started
Materials: Students need paper and writing utensil for notes. Teacher will need powerpoint.
Lesson Plan
Teacher Action
Student Action
1. Welcome class and write the objective on the board. 1. Listen to teacher. 2. Explain to students that today they will be taking notes 2. Get out paper and writing utensil form a powerpoint presentation. for note taking.
3. Begin notes/powerpoint over U.S. Mexican War. 4. Wrap up notes/powerpoint with any questions that the students might have
3. Students listen and take notes. 4. Ask any questions that students had over notes.
The learner is just sitting and listening to the teacher present over a topic.
There is no collaboration or cognition. The strength would be the fact that a lot of information can be presented quickly.
Changes
Limit lecture time.
Have discussion time for students with partners and with class.
Allow students to ask questions throughout the lesson not just at the end.
Working in small groups students could create a brief presentation on what they think is the leading cause to the U.S. & Mexican war.
Justification
Students in this setting are getting ready for high school and life beyond. They need time to start developing critical thinking skills and practice on how to communicate and work with others. Therefore a constructivist approach seems the best way to get students to learn and interact with the new information to not only allow them to learn the content but to better prepare them for their futures.
Theories of Design
Wiggins, Gagnes, Teaching for Understanding
Strengths
Limitations
Limitations
Teaching for Understanding (TfU) is perhaps best used in elementary schools where there is more time and bird walking is more acceptable. It is however a powerful tool for all designers because the overall idea is that the learners are understanding. TfU should always be taken into account when you are designing or implementing lesson plans. How can you make sure that your learners are understanding and what can you change in the lesson to help their understanding?
Justification
When planning lessons it is wise to take into account all three theories of design. None of the design theories are a one size fits all progam. At times it might be nice to have the flexibility of TfU or if you dont know what you want to do but you know where you need to get perhaps you want to use Wiggins. Ganges nine events can be useful when a specific learner outcome is desired.
The best to use for my class situation would be a mixture of Wiggins and Ganges. The desire is to get the learner to know the reasons for the start of the Mexican American War. The task does not require creativity to complete it just requires that the learners learn some basic facts. Know what fact should be learned (Wiggins) and following specific steps (Ganges) is the best way to get there.