Instructional Design and Technology
Online Portfolio
About Me
Raffy S. Centeno
I have teaching experience in both Senior High School and College level. I teach mathematics, quantiative research, and robotics. It is my goal to combine my range of experience with my ability to be a compassionate, enthusiastic, intelligent teacher who will make positive contribution in education.
Educational Attainment
| Undergraduate | : Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics |
| Graduate | : Master of Science in Applied Mathematics |
| Post-graduate | : Doctor of Philosophy in Development Research, and Administration |
| (on-going) |
Comparing Learning Theories
In this activity, i will discuss briefly the four theories of learning: (1) Behaviorism, (2) Constructivism, (3) Cognitivism, and (4) Andragogy. I will also add personal experience, if any, to elaborate how these theories are applied in the actual teaching-learning process. At the end of the section, I will be comparing these theories using a table to summarize the concepts.
Learning Theories
Behaviorism
Behaviorism
One of the many popular learning theory is behaviorism or behavioral learning theory. The theory suggests that all behaviors are learned through interaction with environment, and that innate or inherited factors have very little influence on the behavior of a learner. This suggests that home and classroom environment and lifestyle can impact the behavior of the students which helps educators see it objectively and work to improve it, if necessary.
Personal Experience
Behaviorism is and has been used extensively in elementary education. I can remember before that my kinder teacher would always say “very good” if I or my classmates give the correct answer. This motivates us to study before the class or listen carefully to our teacher so that we can be acknowledged if we get the correct answer. Moreover, if some of us are noisy, our names will be listed somewhere in the blackboard indicating that we talked when the teacher is noisy. This discourages us to talk because we do not want our names listed in the blackboard for being noisy.
Constructivism
Constructivism
The Constructivism learning theory is based on the notion that students actually create their own learning based on their previous experience (e.g. springboarding). It asserts that every student “constructs” his or her learning and knowledge. Students take what they are being taught and add it to their previous knowledge and experiences, creating a unique reality that is just for them. This learning theory focuses on learning as an active process, personal and unique for each student. It highly recognizes the importance of students’ active engagement in the learning process to enabled them to reason out, reflect and justify their thoughts or ideas.
Personal Experience
When learning new topics, I usually connect my prior knowledge to the new information presented to me. I try to find ways where I can apply these new concepts to make it more meaningful.
Cognitivism
Cognitivism
Cognitivism is “the psychology of learning which emphasizes human cognition or intelligence as a special endowment enabling man to form hypotheses and develop intellectually” (Cognitivism) and is also known as cognitive development. The underlying concepts of cognitivism involve how we think and gain knowledge. Cognitivism involves examining learning, memory, problem solving skills, and intelligence. Cognitive theorists may want to understand how problem solving changes throughout childhood, how cultural differences affect the way we view our own academic achievements, language development, and much more.
Personal Experience
I acknowledge the fact that different learners have different way of learning. When I plan my teaching-learning activities, I try my best to cater these different learning styles. However, this is very difficult because, even me, I have my way of learning which affects my decisions when teaching my subjects.
Andragogy
Andragogy
Adult Learning Theory or andragogy is the concept or study of how adults learn and how it differs from children. It aims to show how adult learning is distinct and identify the learning styles which suit them best. The key assumptions of this theory are (1) self-concept - which suggests that as we grow older, we shift from being dependent to being more independent, (2) adult learner experience - which suggests that adults have lots of experience from which they draw knowledge and references, (3) readiness to learn - which suggests that adults want or are ready to learn when there is a reason to do so, (4) orientation of learning - which suggests that adults want to learn that are applicable to their everyday lives, and (5) motivation to learn - which suggests adults learn from internal motivations.
Personal Experience
This is very true during the time when I was taking my Masters degree and my Ph.D. I tend to “snooze” if I think the topic is not useful for me and do otherwise if I find it very useful. Moreover, when I compared the reasons why I am studying now to why I am studying during my college days, it is way too different. Also, when newer topics are being presented, I tried to associate it with my personal and professional experience to make it more meaningful.
Comparison of the Four Learning Theories
The following table summarizes the difference among the theories presented below:
| Behaviorism | Constructivism | Cognitivism | Andragogy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The learner… | is extrinsically motivated to learn; blank slate and through repetition, will produce an expected based on specific inputs | is an active participant in the construction of knowledge | is an active participant in the construction of knowledge | is intrinsically motivated, has expert knowledge, and wants information to be immediately applicable to their life |
| The instructor… | dominates the learning setting; is the source of knowledge | faciliates active learning environment conducive to reflection and teamwork | creates an environment that deliberately engages various thought processes | respectes the experience of the learners and focuses on making autonomous learning environments |
| Takeaways | works best for basic knowledges | concerned more with the interpretation of external stimuli | the thought process matters as much than the content | consider and respects different learning backgrounds |
Learning Approaches and Authentic Assessment
Description of the Learning Scenario
In my Linear Algebra course for Computer science students, we discussed the concept of vectors, vector operations, etc. and how they can apply these concepts in real-life useful to their course.
Complex Learning Project
The students are asked to create a simple maze game using Python wherein they applied the concept of vectors, vector operations, among others. Since the subject is not a programming but a mathematics course, the students applied their previous knowledge in programming (most of them are TVL graduates). For those students who are not TVL graduates, supplemental learning materials were provided. Moreover, they worked by pair to ease the burden of the projects. Ideally, one should create the sprites and the other will program the game.
Connections to the Learning Theory
In this project, the following learning theories were applied:
- Constructivism: The project maximizes their previous knowledge in Programming and Animation. Moreover, the concept of linear algebra is applied to game development.
- Cognitivism: Ideally, the task is divided into two portion: creating sprites and programming the game. Some students are artistic (graduates from Animation track) while others are logical (graduates of Programming track). They brainstorm how to do the task similar to a game studio where different talents collaborate to create a game.
- Andragogy: Students are assumed to have prior knowledge about programming. Moreover, the concepts in Mathematics are applied in the concept of game development. Also, most of the students were motivated to learn the topic since they know that they can apply the concept in their course.