EDUC 7105 Module 2 Blog Post

This week I read two blog posts, both relating to the same conversation. Bill Kerr and Karl Kapp discussed learning theories, particularly cognitivism, and their influence on students’ learning. Kerr (2007) explained his beliefs about teachers choosing specific ‘-isms’ to use for instruction, rather than picking from various theories. I agree with this opinion based on the fact that –isms evolve with criticism and continue. This seems to be true in schools as teachers use strategies, evaluate students’ learning, and continue or modify instruction based on their success. In Kerr’s (2007) blog, he quoted Stephen Downes’ blog explaining that the cognitivism view believes, “learning occurs internally and through social interactions with others”. I do agree with this view, but I do not believe that this is how all learners acquire knowledge. On the other hand, I agree with Kerr (2007) that, “each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right”. All –isms should be presented at some point of instruction, to be sure to meet the needs of all learners.

This response is also supported by Kapp (2007), as he explains that, “we need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively”. Many teachers try strategies with students and are not successful, so they toss them aside and try something else new. In my opinion, applying different learning theories to instruction is the only way to reach all learners, if it is done effectively. Kapp (2007) continues in his blog post explaining how each level of learning requires a different theory of learning for success. I do agree with his view that lower level learners would benefit from a behaviorist approach, rule-based learning requires more of a cognitivist view, and collaboration and problem-solving requires a constructivist view. With as many levels as students are at in today’s classrooms, it is impossible for one model of learning to be successful with all students.

The following blog is in the process of examining 50 blogs over 50 days, based on learning theorists. The author, Donald Clark, discusses the evolution of learning theories over time, as Kerr (2007) had discussed in his blog. http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-marathon-50-blogs-on-learning.html


References

Clark, D. (2012). Blog marathon: 50 blogs on learning theorists over the next 50 days. Retrieved from http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-marathon-50-blogs-on-learning.html

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/