Prompt: Based on your reading, would you consider your current instruction style more behavioralist, cognitivist, or constructivist? Elaborate with your specific mindset and examples.
Based on the current methods, principles, techniques, and strategies I use throughout my learning, I would say that I utilize the cognitive learning theory approach. During study sessions, I tend to utilize analogies, mnemonics and metaphors and try to recognize connections by revisiting knowledge and insights I have surfaced previously. I find that this really assists in my comprehension of new knowledge. In order to stay interested and motivated when learning, I like to bring meaning to what knowledge I will acquire. When learning new material to help bring out more purpose in my learning journey I tend to ask myself questions like :
- “How will this information benefit me?”
- “How can this information help me grow as a person?
- “In which sceneries and where will I be able to utilize this information?”
- “How will this knowledge be used throughout this course?”
- “Is this knowledge practical and resourceful?”
Common learning strategies I use when new knowledge becomes a little difficult to comprehend are analogies, metaphors, diagrams/images, outlining, concept maps, and the use of mnemonics (my favourite!). I find that these strategies help bring meaning and understanding as it tends to be easier to recall such information when I have made a special connection to new pieces of information in my mind. This is exceptionally useful when exploring complex topics. These tactics are commonly used and implied when learning sciences, behavioural sciences, and any subject that greatly depends on memory and strong cognition. These strategies I find often take up both more time and effort. Therefore being persistent with learning, being displine, maintaining good time management and having an adequate level of interest and motivation is crucial. Being strategic with your learning and having good time management (studying consistently and well ahead of due dates and tests!) ensures that you get the best use out of the approaches you can use when employing the cognitive study theory. These strategies need to be implied effectively as you you will be making connections and meaning out of the knowledge you learn whilst using learning strategies based on your learning styles and previously obtained knowledge that help you comprehend new and unfamiliar concepts you need to pertain. Taking the time to carefully analyze and comprehend the knowledge you seek to decipher, such as putting in quality time after each lecture is essential. Throughout my experience of using the cognitive approach in learning, cramming before tests/exams became extra stressful and exhausting (as it is for any type of learning approach!). That’s why spaced learning sessions are ideal for using this learning approach! For instance, if I know I have a midterm in three weeks I will study for that test at least two weeks (in 5-day intervals per week) in advance as this will help me take advantage of not only time but the learning strategies I use as a cognitive type of learner.
Sources:
(this week’s readings) https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/behaviorism_cognitivism_constructivism