Behaviorist, Constructivism, and Cognitivist Approach towards Improved Learning - Admission/Application Essay Example

Behaviorist, Constructivism and Cognitivist Approaches towards Improved Learning of Behaviorist, Constructivism and Cognitivist Approaches towards Improved Learning Introduction The aim of this paper is to critically assess a chosen scenario indicating an individual and the need of improved learning. It should be noted that the solution for the requirement of improved learning can be found out with the implication of different learning approaches. For the purpose of this paper, three schools of thought have been selected including behaviorism, constructivism and cognitivist. Furthermore, elements of the scenario will also be discussed in accordance of their importance. These elements will act as a basis of steps for increased learning by each school of thought during recommendation process. The assessment will be undertaken on the basis of Piaget theory, Skinner’s approach to learning and respective educational philosophers credited within the sources. Summary of the Scenario The chosen scenario for this paper is about Nathan who is a gymnast. It should be noted that Nathan learnt gymnastic since his childhood. Nathan has been observed to excel in almost every exercise that he has been involved in except pommel horse. As a matter of fact, Nathan has been involved in a couple of meets where he has seen other members of the gymnasium receiving medals. Nathan has found this experience as motivating and it is for this reason that he wants to continue his practice. Since he has been having issue with pommel horse, his parents and instructor are trying to find best ways to help in improve his learning experience. Behaviorist Approach Before coming up with a recommendation based upon behaviorist school of thought, it is important to understand the core ideology. As per behaviorist school of thought, behavior of an individual is the key element to be studied rather than internal elements. By internal elements, it merely means cognitions, emotions etc (Bourne & Moore, 2005). The reason behind such an assertion is that behaviorist school of thought considers such elements to be subjective in nature. The key strategy according to this school of thought is to observe evident behavioral patterns. First and foremost, before understanding the patterns of learning through the behaviorist approach, it is meaningful to understand the element which is important in the case of Nathan. According to the case study of Nathan gymnast, it is the action record that is needed to be used for gauging the The behaviorist pattern of learning or approach to design study can help a lot in the case of Nathan (Kirk, Macdonald, & Sullivan, 2006). It is recommended that response is noted by the instructors and parents when Nathan performs his exercises. As a matter of fact, it was noted that Nathan was just focusing on few of the exercise in the beginning which resulted in lack of expertise for exercise of pommel horse. The practice sessions at the gymnasium are needed to be well planned because there are some of the exercises where Nathan does not need much of performance as he is skilled and talented by large. The exercises which are not being performed on the regular basis shows behavior response of Nathan. As soon as the continuous practice is undertaken, especially in the case of pommel horse, it is rather suggested that Nathan’s instructor is able to chain down and conduct tests. Reinforcement is yet another integral part of the overall process. The fact to be noted here is that Nathan has been involved in all exercises but he needed motivation to perform pommel horse more. Constructivism Approach Constructivism approach maintains that learning is an active process which can be attained by individuals over the time. Learning cannot be achieved by acquiring it but it rather depends upon constructive knowledge. In simpler words, it can be asserted that an individual undergoes learning as experience of different processes and understanding within an environment is achieved. These understandings and experiences are observed with reasoning and needful hypothesis. Herein, it should be noted that each individuals tends to explain experience in certain manner. Interpretation of knowledge processes would be different in cases of environmental effects. As per the theoretical grounds of constructivism, it comes to understanding that individuals are not blank slate (tabula rasa) (Richardson, 2005). A person may provide reasoning and problem solving with the help of past observations and experiences. Herein, the elements that are much needed to be pointed out as important are the coordination that is between Nathan and his parents-instructors. Notwithstanding, a powerful collaboration is much needed as per the lens of constructivism approach of learning. Most of the learners who tend to miss out on important tools such as reflection and problem solving is because they do not have a strong and constructive linkage between their parents and instructors (Harman & Koohang, 2007). Therefore, the element of stronger collaboration is being undertaken as a base for recommendations. Following constructivism approach, a number of recommendations can be given for the scenario of Nathan gymnast. It is recommended that Nathan is made to reflect on his understanding of situation that he is finding critical i.e. exercise pertaining to pommel horse. Increased assessment details are provided to Nathan by the instructor to help him learn the ways in which he can overcome the issue of exercise weaknesses. Students can undertake brainstorming on the strategies that have already been applied on the students to understand their learning patterns. Also, Nathan should be given multiple options to practice exercise which will surely help him to become an expert learner in the gymnasium. Instructor of Nathan will have to think of various approaches for Nathan because effective ways and more methods of learning can have a very encouraging effect on the learners. By this approach, it comes to observation that instructor of Nathan will have to play a major role than his parents because expert knowledge is much needed in order to increase the learning pace as well as improved learning pattern. Nathan needs to undertake problem solving by delivering his views of the approach that are being applied on him in the gymnasium setting. Reproduction of knowledgeable experience should be delivered to the learners by drawing inquiry-based learning pattern. Tests should be conducted in such a way for Nathan that the results are concluded by Nathan himself rather than being judged by instructor. Instructor of Nathan needs to focus on the way which can be learnt by Nathan in completing pommel horse rather than just seeing him making a score of pommel horse. Under this approach, Nathan is expected to become an active learner rather than just learning from theories and instructions manual. Cognitivism Approach Cognitive approach towards learning marks solution that finds out the factors persuading individuals to undertake learning. In other words, it can be said that cognitivist school of thought stresses on the fact that individual’s mental state needs to be observed. The contrast i.e. observable behavior is not enough to assess learning patterns of individual. As per the cognitivist approach of learning, it is recommended that processes such as memory and problem solving (Richardson, 2005). The most important elements that can be considered as important from the point of view of cognitivism, it is the will of Nathan that is making him working towards betterment. It will not be incorrect to state that this is one of the important elements on which the planning of Nathan’s improved learning could be done. Following assertions can be regarded as very helpful stages for Nathan to develop understanding and effective learning of Pommel horse exercise. Firstly, Nathan needs to understand the problem which he is facing in the way of performing the exercise. Pointing out a number of reasons that may have been acting as barriers for Nathan in performing the exercise will help his parents and instructors plan activities for him to get away with his shortcoming. Cognitive learning pattern also indicate that Nathan needs to understand his self attainment measure which is actually the will of an individual to bring change. This is a postulate or a step that clarifies an individual’s willingness to learn. Nathan has proven that he wanted to learn respective exercises because he wanted to achieve medals as other members of the gymnasium. From the above analysis of three different approaches to learning, it comes to understanding that Nathan’s case can be led by a number of methods depending upon the person who appoints the approach. There are distinctive ways of interpreting and planning learning improvement. At one point, instructors and study planners come up with observational strategies where mental state is not given much consideration. This reflects the behaviorist school of thought. At the same time, another school of thought exhibits assessment of mental state as a motivator of learning experiences. Finally, the third and most important school of thought when it comes to learning is constructivism that attributes learning process as a way of collaboration between instructor and learner. Also, the above noted elements that have been assessed within the case of Nathan indicate that each factor can influence learning improvement. References Bourne, J., & Moore, J. (2005). Elements of Quality Online Education: Engaging Communities. NY: Olin College - Sloan-C. Harman, K., & Koohang, A. (2007). Learning Objects: Applications, Implications, & Future Directions. NY: Informing Science. Kirk, D., Macdonald, D., & Sullivan, M. (2006). Handbook of Physical Education. Chicago: SAGE. Richardson, V. (2005). Constructivist Teacher Education: Building a World of New Understandings. Washington DC.: Routledge. Read More