2. Behaviourist theory
Its main influences were
Ivan Pavlov, who investigated classical
conditioning
John B. Watson (1878-1958) who rejected
introspective methods and sought to restrict
psychology to experimental laboratory
methods.
B.F. Skinner, sought to give ethical grounding
to behaviorism, relating it to pragmatism.
3. Behaviourist theory
Behaviourist Theory maintains a focus on
the change in observable behaviours as the
manifestations of learning.
Thus the theory states that is learning is the
acquisition of new behaviour through
conditioning
4. Behaviourist theory
The means of conditioning is achieved in
two ways namely, classical and operant.
Operant conditioning is where there is
reinforcement of a behaviour by a reward
or punishment. Reinforcement is any
means of increasing the likelihood that an
event will be repeated.
5. Behaviourist theory
Classical conditioning is where the
behaviour becomes a reflex response to
stimulus. For example Dogs who were fed
continuously by persons in lab coats
reacted as if food was on its way
whenever they saw a lab coat
6. Characteristics
Behaviourist believes:
Learning is manifested by a change in behaviour
Environment shapes behaviour ( nurture)
Contiguity and reinforcement are integral to the
learning process. Contiguity describes how close
in time two events must be for a bond to be
formed and Basic laws of learning are the same
for all animals whether dogs or humans.
7. Implications: Learning environment
Behaviourist view learning as a change in
behaviour, therefore educators arrange
the environment to get desired responses
through:
Behavioural objectives
Competency based education
Skill development and training
8. Constructivist theory
Constructivism is a synthesis of multiple
theories diffused into one form. It is the
assimilation of both behaviorialist and
cognitive ideals.
The “constructivist stance maintains that
learning is a process of constructing
meaning; it is how people make sense of
their experience”
9. Characteristics of the
Constructivist theory
Constructivist believe that:
Peoples construct their own understanding of
the world through experiencing things and
reflecting on these experiences.
When learners encounter something new,
they reconcile it with previous knowledge and
experiences. In the end they may change
what they believe , or they may discard the
new information as irrelevant.
10. Implications: Learning environment
The teacher acts as a facilitator and guide in
helping the students to become active
participants in their learning. Thus enabling
them to make the connection between prior
knowledge and new knowledge.
The teacher helps the student to construct
knowledge rather than reproduce a series of
facts.
11. Implications: Learning environment
The teacher provide tools such as problem
solving and inquiry based learning
activities so that student can formulate
and test their ideas, and draw their own
conclusions.
12. Situated Learning
Situated Learning Theory, created by Jean
Lave and Etienne Wenger as a model of
learning in a community of practice,
advances that learning is involuntary and
situated within authentic activity, context,
and culture.
Simply put, situated learning is learning that
takes place in the same context in which it is
applied.
13. Situated Learning
Situated learning is related to Vygotsky’s
notion of learning through social
development
Regular classroom learning activities
involve:
1) Abstract knowledge which is in and out
of context,
14. Characteristics
Lave argues that learning is situated; that is,
It occurs normally (unintentional rather than
deliberate)
It is embedded within activity
It is embedded within context and
It is embedded within culture.
Lave and Wenger (1991) call this
unintentional learning a process of
“legitimate peripheral participation” or LPP
15. Implications
Knowledge needs to be presented in
authentic contexts — settings and situations
that would normally involve that knowledge.
Social interaction and collaboration are
essential components of situated learning —
learners become involved in a “community of
practice” which embodies certain beliefs and
behaviours to be acquired.
16. Implications
As the beginner or novice moves from the
periphery of a community to its center, he
or she becomes more active and engaged
within the culture and eventually assumes
the role of an expert.
17. Learning activity:
Constructivist theory
Students will go on a nature walk and will
be encourage to choose a hibiscus flower.
They will be guided by the teacher in
taking apart the flower then they will
examine and name the different parts.