Behaviorist Theory and Constructivism Theory
For this discussion, we are working on behaviorist theory and constructivism theory. The age group we are going to teach will be between 15 to 20 years. It is during this stage that most learners get confused about the learning process. Most with low self-esteem might drop out of school when educators fail to provide the best practices. This information will be procedural, and learners need to read each step to understand the meaning of the learning process. The learners will be studying the topic on the planet, and a lot of understanding is required. The behaviorist practices are automatic since when practiced more than once the learners get used to them. The constructivism theory is learned to recall the last experiences one had to help in improving skills. The two approaches fit the bloom’s hierarchic of understanding the learning process. The behaviorist theory belongs to effective domain the levels of receiving and response. On the other hand, constructivism belongs to the cognitive domain understands the standards known as remember, understanding, and apply.
Behaviorist theory explains that knowledge exists outside a person and can be improved by changing the behaviors from the external factors. The change occurs when stimuli within the learner’s environment react to a stimulus from the response. This response can be used often until it becomes automatic. On the other hand, constructivism state that the learning process occurs from the experiences and knowledge that one has. These theories can be used in class to help students improve their grades.
Examples of practices associated with behaviorist theory include; giving participation points, repetitive practices, and verbal reinforcement. Educators can use these strategies to help the learners to develop competent skills. For instance, giving participation points will encourage them to participate in classwork so that they can receive extra points. Also, verbal reinforcement like telling them very well will encourage them to work hard. Repetitive practices should be done after every exam until it becomes automatic.
Constructivism theory can be used to enable students to increase their skills. The practices in the theory state that learners have different levels of understanding depending on their experiences. In this case, the three best practices that can be used in the classroom are; the use of case studies, projects, and problem-based re, searcher. Learners should be given a chance to do work on their plans to help them work on their skills. Reading the case studies will help them in relating their experiences with that from the case study. Also, the learner will be in a position to understand new things about the planet.