Capstone Paper Prospectus: Theories Of Student Learning
Capstone Paper Prospectus
Lauren Perkins
Valdosta State University
As education has developed so have several major theories of how students learn. The ideas behind behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism represent three of the most commonly followed theories of learning followed in education today. Behaviorism relies on the theory that all human behaviors are learned and only the behaviors that can be clearly observed are worth studying (Standridge, 2002). B.F. Skinner was instrumental in the creation of the behaviorist theory. Unlike behaviorists, cognitivists believe learning is an active process based on the existing cognitive structures of the learner (“Teaching Guide,” n.d.). The ideas of Piaget and Vygtosky form the cornerstone of the cognitivism theory. Constructivism has greater similarities to cognitivism in that learning is an active process for both theories. In constructivism the focus is on how students are able to make the connections between their prior knowledge and new knowledge. Hands-on student learning activities are most closely associated with the theory of constructivism. When considering which learning theory best fit with my teaching style and personal beliefs, I could not choose only one. I agree with …show more content…
I do not have a deep understanding of your work at this time. However, I am looking forward to reading her book The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African-American Children. Throughout my teaching career I have only taught in schools that are predominately African-American. As a Caucasian, I recognize that there are cultural differences between myself and the students I teach. I have always tried to teach from a multicultural perspective, but I feel reading Ladson-Billings book would help ensure I am doing all I can to properly educate my African-American
Lauren Perkins
Valdosta State University
As education has developed so have several major theories of how students learn. The ideas behind behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism represent three of the most commonly followed theories of learning followed in education today. Behaviorism relies on the theory that all human behaviors are learned and only the behaviors that can be clearly observed are worth studying (Standridge, 2002). B.F. Skinner was instrumental in the creation of the behaviorist theory. Unlike behaviorists, cognitivists believe learning is an active process based on the existing cognitive structures of the learner (“Teaching Guide,” n.d.). The ideas of Piaget and Vygtosky form the cornerstone of the cognitivism theory. Constructivism has greater similarities to cognitivism in that learning is an active process for both theories. In constructivism the focus is on how students are able to make the connections between their prior knowledge and new knowledge. Hands-on student learning activities are most closely associated with the theory of constructivism. When considering which learning theory best fit with my teaching style and personal beliefs, I could not choose only one. I agree with …show more content…
I do not have a deep understanding of your work at this time. However, I am looking forward to reading her book The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African-American Children. Throughout my teaching career I have only taught in schools that are predominately African-American. As a Caucasian, I recognize that there are cultural differences between myself and the students I teach. I have always tried to teach from a multicultural perspective, but I feel reading Ladson-Billings book would help ensure I am doing all I can to properly educate my African-American