Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

Wanda Ardoin-Bailey

Module 2 Blog Assignment

The first post truly interested me because as I was reading information related to cognitivism, I continued to think of the words, "eithor/and or" I couldn't fit my style of teaching in one or the other method, behaviorism or cognitivism. At times, I felt that my style strictly related to behaviorism, but when I resolved to that notion, something else would rush to my memory that made me think otherwise. It was refreshing to hear that it doesn't have to be either/or; it can be "and", so this leads me to I agree with Kapp's  (2007) blogspot that with the different layers of learning comes the different approaches to gaining knowledge.

The theories of learning have evolved from necessary change because learning is not stagnant. Theories no matter scientific or educational, in my opinion, are there to be challenged because from those challenges we have a better way of doing things.

As I can see how I was not "cherry picking", or using theories as a blinker, I was indeed using them as a guide (Kerr, 2007). When watching the video, remember in a single week or single lesson how you also changed you’re prospective.  As part of my teaching philosophy, one theory might hold true for my students, but the use of others are far behind

What is your pilosophy of teaching and how do theories of learning impact it?

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

RESPONSE:
A response was made to the blogs of  LaTonya Simmons and Bradley Gogan.

LearningDctr’s Channel (June 17, 2011). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism &

Learning and Instructional Theory. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YOqgXjynd0

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

A short time ago, I felt like I would just pick an assignment out of a hat to motivate, inspire, and educate my students, but I was not doing that at all.  In fact I buy into theories because of my observations, facts, and predications as it relates to a particular subject, class, or even a concept I want to convey.

How People Learn Best

Learning styles are intriguing to me as a teacher and a parent. During the first week of school, I use a couple of surveys trying to ascertain how my students learn best. One learning style test I use is the online Memletics Learning Styles Inventory http://www.learning-styles-online.com/

I used the data to get to know my students and help them learn in the best environment. It also helps my students to identify the way they learn for their own purpose as well as apply this new knowledge to other classes. This active role in their learning can be used as a tool throughout their academic journey.

It comes to no surprise after analyzing the data, that my students learn best when they are working with others coupled with the art of working with their hands in real world situations. With the use of collaborative tools such as blogs, I can tap into real world situations linked with the opportunity of working with other students across the district. Visit the following blog of a past Walden student when asked if he believes "humans have a basic instinct to interact and work as a group". http://theoryandeducationaltechnology.blogspot.com/

The purpose of learning theories in educational technology stems from the fact that, though technology is a tool, how we use this tool directly relates to the effectiveness of the technology.  Opening the doors beyond the knowledge of the teacher, and the pedagogy changing to encompass the vast opportunity of technology increases the knowledge of the student.

As a Walden student how have you changed your teaching method to include technology in an effective manner?

Wanda Ardoin-Bailey
Module 1

EDUC-7105-2/EDUC-8845-2 Learning Theory and Educational Technology

RESPONSE:
A response was made to Bianca Lochner and Lauren Dart's blog