Behaviorism and Cognitivism Wrap Up

Summary

In this lesson, we read about two influential theories of learning that both took different, yet, complementary views of learning. Behaviorism focused purely on observable behaviors and methods to reinforce or fade certain behaviors. Behaviorists tended to focus only on external actions of learners and ignore internal states or processes. In contrast, cognitive perspectives on learning focus on the internal physiological as well as conceptual structures that support behaviors and learning. 

Check and Double Check

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Lesson 3 Course Schedule.

Looking Ahead

In the next lesson, we’ll be looking at extending cognitive and constructive perspectives on learning and will read about constructivism and constructionism. Both of these theories are still currently popular perspectives in framing learning, although they have evolved and given rise to different forms of designs and environments.