Module 2 - Learning Theory In Defense of Behaviorism

           One reason that  “the instructional design community remains rooted in behaviorism - this more than 30 years after the theory was abandoned everywhere else” (Karl Kapp, 2006), could be because behaviorism works. I agree with Bill Kerr in that  “actions which are followed by rewards are often repeated.”  At my middle school we use Patriot  Bucks to reward overall good behavior and following the dress code.  These Bucks are used to receive various awards, depending on the number of Bucks earned by the student.  As human, we all like to be rewarding/appreciated for a “job well done”.  We are indeed “all behaviourists” to some degree.   I agree with  Bill’s post in that it does “ seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right.”
            I am in agreement with Karl Kapp as he refers to Bill post.  We do “need  to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively because…Cognitivism doesn’t explain 100% how humans process information and neither does Constructivism or Behaviorism,” states Karl.  I believe that most classroom teachers, like myself, do “take the best  from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners.”    “Learning” is  multi-facetted.

References

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/ on September 19, 2011.

Kapp, K. (2006, December 19).  Definitions: ABCD Objectives.  Retrieved from Karl Kapp, Kapp Notes (Web log post)  http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php on September 19, 2011.

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html on September 19, 2011.