I found the reading on Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism learning concepts useful for teaching purposes and very applicable in my learning experiences. I had yet to learn how relevant and influential these teaching methods were in my education career. Being an Economics major with a history of loving math, as I read this chapter, I was relating many things to my math career and the methods used to help signify certain things into my memory. When I was reading each separate method I jotted down how it could pertain to the mathematical learning environment and how it has helped me curate my learning experience. The “Behaviorism” method makes me think about “drill and practice,” where math emphasizes repetition and practice, doing repetitive exercises. Alongside this, the is always a reward and incentive system, where teachers can provide stickers, certificates, and awards for achieving specific goals. Moving onto “Cognitivism,” math requires problem-solving strategies, focusing on the mental processes involved in learning. Thinking back, teachers have guided me toward developing problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills by breaking down problems into manageable steps and applying appropriate mathematical strategies. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on creating a conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Teachers focus on building students’ conceptual understanding by using manipulatives, visual representations, and real-world applications to help students connect mathematical ideas to their own experiences to develop a deeper understanding. Lastly, I have even seen “Constructivism” in my math classes. I have seen inquiry-based learning, as constructivism promotes active learning and exploration. In math classes, teachers facilitate inquiry-based learning by presenting students with open-ended questions or problems requiring them to investigate, make connections, and construct their mathematical knowledge. It also requires collaborative learning, encouraging collaboration and social interaction between students. Math classes incorporate group work, peer tutoring, and projects, where students discuss mathematical concepts, share ideas and learn from each other’s perspectives. It’s interesting to think back about how I have been faced with these specific instructional techniques and can apply all of them to one subject. I would consider myself more of a “Cognitivism” teacher for my own instruction, mainly because I like to strip down an issue into chunks to solve problems. Most of my teaching experience is peer-based while studying or working on collaborative projects, so I constantly explain my reasoning, problem-solving, and information processing. For my future career, however, I would like to learn the instruction technique of “Constructivism” a lot further. I aspire to get into a higher management position, so emphasizing active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration is vitally important. In a management position, you are prone to encounter complex challenges and decision-making situations, where I will need to analyze problems, consider multiple perspectives and make informed decisions. I would need to continuously learn and adapt to industry trends and best practices, seeking relevant resources for self-directed learning. Alongside this, management requires collaboration and teamwork. Building strong collaborative relationships and fostering teamwork are crucial for effective leadership. Constructivist approaches like group discussions, cooperative projects, and team-based problem-solving can help me develop essential collaboration skills and create a positive and inclusive work environment. Overall embracing a growth mindset and promoting a culture of continuous learning is essential. By adopting constructivist principles, I can encourage my team members to embrace new challenges, learn from their experiences, and continuously improve their skills and performance. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and applying these concepts to my personal and soon-to-be professional life, and it’s remarkable to see how applicable they are.
Hi Daniel! Thank you so much for sharing your reflection on the three learning theories. It’s great to see how you were able to connect your math learning to the theories discussed in the readings. I appreciate your interest in exploring the principles of constructivism further. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the choice of appropriate theory really depends on the subject matter, learning outcomes, and learners’ needs. Sometimes, behaviourist strategies can be more beneficial than other strategies, especially when it comes to memorization of facts. Keep up the excellent work!
Hi Daniel, thank you for sharing your learning experience and passion for mathematics! Like you, I am also finishing up my Economics degree and my Minor in Business! I can understand why and how you’re able to relate mathematics to Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. It involves different methods of learning and applying mathematics which you’ve previously noted as repetitive, strategical, and inquiry-based learning. Well done!