Wrap-Up

Summary

In this lesson, we read about three influential theories of learning that all took different yet complementary views of learning. Behaviorism focused purely on observable behaviors and on 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. Constructivists believe that learning is deeply connected to what learners “bring to the table,” so to speak. Teachers must be able to have a deep, comprehensive understanding of these experiences in order to help students construct further knowledge.

Check and Double-Check

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

Looking Ahead

In the next lesson, we shift toward the social dimensions of cognition, particularly in terms of how cognition is very much connected to the specific activities in which it takes place.