My Philosophy

There are three main learning theories behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. The truth is that there are many different ways that information is processed and received that creates and completes the learning process itself. Behaviorism is based upon the ideology that behaviors are acquired through conditioning that takes place with ones environment. It also places great focus upon observable behaviors and that these responses help shape ones actions. Cognitivism learning theory places the focus upon how one learns by the internal processing of information through their brain. Constructivism is a learning theory that supports that learning takes place through experience and being actively involved. I understand that there is no set blue print for each and every child and that learning could involve the mixture and combinations of any of these theories and may often change. I personally am drawn toward the theory of constructivism as I it reminds me of myself. I have found throughout my life that I learn best from being active and engaged throughout the learning process. For me it is important to actually go through the motions or steps of something as opposed to just reading about it; the physical connection helps me retain information as I have a better understanding. Below I will detail an activity I can use in my future classroom as an example of applying the constructivism learning theory into a lesson.

Science Sink or Float?

I imagine a fifth grade classroom activity that we can complete in small groups as a science lab to explore the concept of buoyancy. Each group would have a plastic pan filled with water and several objects before them. Materials include: scale, ruler, potato, apple, grape, baby carrot, and a leaf. Before the students begin I will have them record their hypothesis of which will float and which will sink. Next each group will weigh and record the weight of each item upon the scale. After completing the weights the will one take one object at a time and place it into the water to record its buoyancy and measure the water displacement. After all items are placed they are to review their recorded findings. The experience that the child gain hands on in my opinion will be much more valuable then just review this concept in the textbook.