THEORIES ASSIGNMENT 2

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Psychology

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Jun 2, 2024

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Assignment 2- Learning Modes Essay 1 EDU10004- Theories of Teaching and Learning Assignment 2- Learning Modes

Assignment 2- Learning Modes Essay 2 Learning is one of the most complex and important activities in which humans engage. Developmental theories provide early childhood educators and primary teachers with unique descriptions of how learning occurs. These varying theories offer both educators and teachers with strategies to support children’s differing learning styles to achieve the best learning outcomes for all students. Teachers can research and develop an understanding in relation to which theory would best suit their children’s individual needs to develop an inclusive environment. In the 21 st century, there is a vast array of theories being applied within the classroom, one being the Behaviourist theory. The main theorist, being B.F Skinner, argues that children learn through reinforcement and encouragement within the environment in which they are surrounded. Following the Behaviourist theory, Humanist perspectives were developed and implemented within the classroom. Humanism explores the notion of teachers guiding their students to enable them to reach their full potential, through incorporating collaborative learning and inquiry based approaches into the classroom. Both theories portray similarities and differences surrounding their perspectives in relation to learning, along side benefits and limitations for teachers and children within the learning environment. Teaching and learning are a crucial aspect for both educators and teachers to ensure they are delivering curriculum in a supportive and engaging way. The method in which the teacher facilitates the classroom influences the degree of how well a student learns and comprehends their specific curriculum. Over time, learning has changed considerably and continues to evolve to this day. Theories provide teachers and educators with a wide range of opinions and strategies in relation to how students learn, develop and grow (Edwards, 2009). Although they are not self- evident truths, all theories can be used as an explanation to help guide the learning journey teachers provide (Edwards, 2009). Through critical reflection,

Assignment 2- Learning Modes Essay 3 teachers will be able to determine which theory best fits their classroom situation and children’s learning styles to provide the most positive outcomes of learning in the 21 st century (Harris & Bruin, 2018). Motivation is the key aspect of the Behaviourist theory as it enforces the notion that students learn through reinforcement and encouragement. Operate conditioning is best described by theorist B.F Skinner as “The use of positive and negative consequences to strengthen or weaken voluntary behaviour” (Duchesne, McMaugh, Bochner, Krause, 2013, p. 165). As an educator motivates and rewards ones actions, a clear increase in the likelihood that the child will repeat this behaviour is evident, eventually leading to a learnt response (Duchesne et al., 2013). For example, if a student continually attempts to complete their homework to the best of their ability, they will be praised and be acknowledged through positive reinforcement, drastically increasing their motivation to continue to complete their homework on a regular basis. On the other hand, implementing a negative reinforcer may be applicable for students who refuse to complete homework, leading to punishment and eventually a change in behaviour (Schunk, 2004). Campbell (1999) explores the idea that teachers begin to use extrinsic reinforcement to establish academic success within the classroom to therefore develop a sense of intrinsic motivation with all children. Students who are continually motivated through reinforcement will persistently rely heavily on extrinsic motivation to allow them to succeed within the classroom (Campbell, 1999). Ultimately leading to an intellectually competitive classroom, which can impose negative effects within the learning environment for students who are not high academic achievers. This outcome leads non-academic achievers to have a reluctance to participate, prompting misbehaviour and unhappiness within the classroom (Campbell, 1999). Misbehaviour within the behaviourist theory will ultimately lead to negative reinforcers for students who do not

Assignment 2- Learning Modes Essay 4 willingly participate within an activity with the aim of establishing punishment to decrease the likelihood of the target behaviour reoccurring (Gray & MacBlain, 2012). While there are negative aspects of the behaviourist theory, there are also ways educators or teachers could draw on a variety of positive elements to make informed decisions in relation to their approach to teaching to achieve the best outcomes for all students (Duchesne et al., 2013). This theory has a strong basis in scientific experimentation and implements strategies to help develop an inclusive classroom for all children. One of these strategies is known as the applied behaviour analysis (ABA), which was developed to assist children with additional needs to learn through “the use of behavioural principles to change behaviour” (Duchesne et al., 2013, P.170). To begin the implementation of the ABA strategy within the classroom, teachers and educators need to assess individual children they wish to work with and identify skills that need to be improved (Autism Speaks, 2008). One of the key features of this strategy is determining each individual childs motivation within learning, finding this reinforcer encourages effective learning within the classroom (Autism Speaks, 2008). For example, explaining to a child that once they have finished a task, they are able to gain access to a computer or listen to music as their reward encourages more effective responses from students. The ABA strategy encourages educators and teachers to sit opposite children with autism to support face-to-face learning, allowing them to incorporate encouragement and prompting (Anderson & Romanczyk, 1999). Constant monitoring of progress and rewarding students when reaching their current goals encourage them to continually portray positive behaviour within the classroom environment (Duchesne et al., 2013). Overall, ABA has proven particularly affective when assisting children with autism, increasing their ability to communicate and follow instructions. Ultimately, reducing stereotypical and disruptive behaviours within the classroom. The behaviourist approach focuses on motivation as the key

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