Understanding how we learn is important for creating effective learning methods. In EDCI 335, we explored three core learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. Each theory has a unique way of showing how knowledge can be taught and shared. While all have strengths and limitations, there are some ideas with which I don’t fully agree.
Behaviorism
Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and how people respond to rewards, praise, or criticism. The main idea is that we learn through practice and repetition until the skill or concept becomes a habit. Positive feedback, such as praise or high grades, motivates learners to repeat their behaviors and continue learning. On the other hand, negative feedback may discourage learners.
Common ways of assessment can be exams, quizzes, weekly problems, and assignments. These forms of assessment are all designed to measure the learner’s knowledge of the topic. Furthermore, it allows teachers to provide feedback and monitor progress in a structured way.
From my own experiences, I have found that behaviorism works best for testing foundational knowledge. The effectiveness of this learning method largely depends on the subject. For example, in mathematics, where formulas and techniques require repetition, continuous practice, and memorization, this learning method would be ideal. Furthermore, I have also taken a German language course during my time at the University of Victory, where we had frequent vocabulary and grammar tests, as well as weekly readings and problem sheets, which were effective ways of measuring my progress.
However, as a computer science student, I find that the behaviorist learning approach does not work well. Many of my courses have 40-70% of the grade on midterms and finals, most also requiring a minimum score on the final just to pass. In real-world computer programming jobs, there are many resources and tools available. In university tests, we are expected to memorize complex codes without extra help, and I believe that this does not help enhance our knowledge of the subject. For more technical fields, I believe project-based and collaborative assignments would prepare students better for future professional challenges.
Cognitivism
Cognitivism focuses on how people think and learn by understanding new information and connecting it to what we already know. This theory is more about understanding and adding a deeper meaning to the topic, rather than just memorization and repetition. Teachers can help by breaking down complex topics into smaller parts, such as diagrams, step-by-step explanations, guided tasks, discussions, concept maps, and more. Common forms of this assessment can be projects, lab or tutorial assignments, written reflections, and small weekly quizzes.
I find this learning approach to be my favorite. Instead of being taught large and complex topics, I can build my understanding gradually by breaking topics into smaller parts. For example, in computer science or math courses, working through lab exercises step by step allows me to learn and process the new ideas, make connections, and apply concepts to the task. Furthermore, I also find that group discussions and collaborative study sessions are a helpful way of showing your understanding of topics. When I explain ideas to others or hear different perspectives, it enhances my understanding, ensuring that I know the topic and helping others learn as well. It can also learn different approaches to learning the topic by working with others. For example, during a course last semester, I had a study group with 4 of my friends, where we would learn together, and explain which parts of the topic we are good at and how the other can understand it better as well. Being able to teach or explain a concept to someone else is a strong sign that you truly understand it.
Constructivism
Constructivism is a learning theory that encourages learners to build their understanding from past experiences, existing knowledge, and reflection. Instead of constantly receiving new information, learners can ask questions, connect ideas, and ensure that they understand new concepts in a more meaningful way.
This approach is great for collaboration, problem-solving, and deep or creative thinking. In this method of learning, the teacher’s role is to help guide and support the learning to build their knowledge. Common forms of this would be group projects, collaborative discussions, written reflections, blog posts, and presentations. These forms of learning allow the user to actively engage in the subject, think critically and creatively, reflect on what they’ve learned, and demonstrate their understanding.
My experience of this learning method would be from EDCI 335 and EDCI 338 where we are instructed to go through some readings in our own time and pace, then reflect on them by creating a blog post where we would express our opinions, share personal examples on how it relates to the topic and/or demonstrate our understanding of the subject.
Although constructivism allows for more freedom, responsibility, and creativity, I sometimes find it challenging to stay focused on tasks and apply my knowledge without any clear instructions. I enjoy reflection because it allows me to connect new ideas to my own experiences. For example, I used to run my football (soccer) podcast, which is similar to blog writing in EDCI 335 and 338. Through both the podcast and blog writing, I was able to reflect on the topic, express my opinions, demonstrate my knowledge, and share ideas.
Conclusion
Overall, all three of these learning theories have their strengths and limitations. Personally, my favorite and best way of learning would be through cognitivism; however, I would take a part of each theory and combine it into one. For example, I would take the reflective part from constructivism, which allows us to express our knowledge on the topics by connecting it to previous experiences. Furthermore, I would take the weekly tasks such as labs or tutorials, and group discussions, from cognitivism, which keeps us encouraged to continue learning and understanding topics. This would allow us to learn small topics each week rather than one large and complex idea. Finally, I would have occasional tests or quizzes during the course, as it shows your understanding of the fundamentals of the topic, but also your overall skills, since resources are limited.
References
Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/behaviorism_cognitivism_constructivism. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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