Wirges 1

Jennifer Wirges

ETEC 424

Dr. Wolfe

05 November 2018

Reflection Paper #1

“The Importance of Different Learning Theories in Education”

There are three main theories in education: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and

Constructivism. These theories are the foundation for teachers to form ways to help students

learn. First, we must understand each theory and how to utilize it. Up front, “Behaviorism is a

theory of animal and human learning that only focuses on objectively observable behaviors and

discounts mental activities. Behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the

acquisition of new behavior.” (Gayla S. Keesee, "Learning Theories", 2011) Keesee also talks

about the roles of the teacher and student. The student or learner are responding to stimuli and

the teachers are doing so much more. Teachers designs the learning environment, shapes the

behavior by positive/ negative reinforcement., and presents the information according to Keesee.

Following is Cognitivism and Keesee tells us “Cognitivism focuses on the “brain” ("Learning

Theories", 2011) where learners “process, store, and retrieve information for later use”

("Learning Theories", 2011) and teachers “manages problem solving and structured search

activities,” ("Learning Theories", 2011). At last is constructivism which “focuses on how

learners construct their own meaning.” (Gayla S. Keesee, "Learning Theories", 2011). The

learner “construct new ideas or concepts based upon their current/past knowledge, social

interactions, and motivation affect the construction” ("Learning Theories", 2011) and the

teachers “focus on making connections between facts and fostering new understanding in
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students.” ("Learning Theories", 2011) says Keesee. All three of these theories have a different

approach to learning but all work to different learners’ minds.

We find that each learning theory has a large effect on the educational world no matter

what level or subject. Each theory gives educators a different lens to look through that will help

their students grow and become diverse. According to Peggy A. Ertmer and Timothy J. Newby

“learning theories are a source of verified instructional strategies, tactics, and techniques”

("Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing ...", 2013, p. 44). These tactics and

strategies are how educators can determine how to reach students who are struggling. Without

these theories we would not be able to gage different styles that need to be used to teach a lesson.

We could not reach a classroom of twenty students with one style and one mindset. Also “The

main intent is to provide designers with some familiarity with three relevant positions on

learning (behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist) which should provide a more structured

foundation for planning and conducting instructional design activities.” ("Behaviorism,

Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing ...", 2013, p. 45) as Peggy A. Ertmer and Timothy J.

Newby mention.

How can we use these theories in the classroom? We know these theories are important

when it comes to planning. According to Ashley Ahlbrand Behaviorism can be presented “in a

pre-test scenario, to measure how much students already know on a topic, and therefore where to

begin instruction.” (Ashley Ahlbrand, 2013). This is used in state test that students must take and

even in benchmarks that we take at the beginning of the year and then either half way through

the year or the end of the year. We see cognitivism in high education more than early education

because of the problem-solving aspect. Students become more developed in solving problems as

they grow. Cognitivism is used in early education, no doubt, but it is just more prominent in
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higher education. High school and college level see it a lot because they utilize critical analysis

often. Another theory, Constructivism focuses on the learner. Ahlbrand states that

Constructivism is “Focusing on preexisting knowledge and the unique backgrounds of each

individual learner, constructivists believe that learners apply new knowledge to their own

realities, and that therefore they will construct their own meaning from the knowledge being

acquired.” (Ashley Ahlbrand, 2013). Knowing more about these three theories we can then apply

them to our lesson plans and help our students.

I believe my students will find that they are able to work under all theories. I would like

to have these theories largely implemented in my classroom. Students will be prepared for the

real world through problem solving, independent learning, and becoming assessment ready.

Students will be able to collect and retain information without an issue.

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Works Cited

G. (2011). Learning Theories. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from

http://teachinglearningresources.pbworks.com/w/page/19919565/Learning Theories

P., & T. (2013). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing ... Retrieved November

6, 2018, from http://northweststate.edu/wp-content/uploads/files/21143_ftp.pdf

P., & T. (2013). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing ... Retrieved November

6, 2018, from http://northweststate.edu/wp-content/uploads/files/21143_ftp.pdf