Behaviorism

        Behaviorism is the theory that describes learning is due to an observable change in behavior. The behaviors are sometimes learned in the process. In this theory, the learners observe the information, practice the information and then receive reinforcement through praise. The classic example of behaviorism is when Pavlov used classic conditioning to investigate the digestive system of dogs. Pavlov conditioned the dogs to react to the sound of a tuning fork. The tuning fork became a conditioned stimulus. Other famous theorists include Edward Thorndike who is known for inventing the puzzle box to investigate problem solving in animals and B. F. Skinner who is known for inventing the concept of operant conditioning.

Cognitivism

       Cognitivism is the theory that describes how information is processed to produce learning. It is the change in a learner’s mental behavior. Cognitive theory looks at how information travels from the sensory memory to the working memory to the long-term memory. This theory focuses on gaining and maintaining the learner’s attention. After the learner’s attention is gained, then rehearsal and visuals are used to move the information in the memories. Reinforcement is used primarily as feedback (Woolfolk, 2004). Two famous contributors to Cognitivism are Jean Piaget who is known for the theory that children progress through stages and J. Anderson who is know for the two types of memory procedural and declarative.

Constructivism

    

                 Constructivism is the theory that describes learning to due to the construction of knowledge. The theory focuses on the understanding the information. A big component of Constructivism is socializing. The learners are posed with guiding questions and the learners work together to acquire the new information. Two famous contributors to Constructivism are Lev Vygotsky who is known for the definition of Zone of Proximal Development and Jerome Bruner who is known for stating that learning is an active process.

                In a Constructivist classroom learning takes place through retrieving prior knowledge and collaborating to acquire new knowledge. In this type of classroom one may observe learners working in groups. The learners are discussing a possible solution to a particular problem or task. One will observe the teacher moving from group to group assisting in the discussion and asking relevant questions. The teacher serves as a facilitator in the Constructivist classroom. In this particular classroom the learners are in charge of their own learning. The learners in this classroom are producing authentic tasks and artifacts. The learners have a choice in their presentation and products.