This week I created a matrix of the 4 learning theory perspectives- Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, and Connectivism. I created this matrix using google docs by inserting a table and filling in relevant information from the criteria requested by my instructor. The matrix itself was not at all difficult to create, but the searching for information to fill it in took more time than anticipated. I found that it is difficult to process what these theories look like in a modern classroom and trying to apply that knowledge to how they relate to technology was really difficult for me. This matrix will serve as a fantastic visual aid/study tool to refresh my memory about learning theories and gave me an opportunity to practice developing a tool that may be beneficial for my future students.
Check it out below!
Last semester, I took a course that focused primarily on the constructivism theory. I thought many times that this approach to teaching was somewhat unrealistic for everyday, and I often became frustrated that we were not learning about other teaching approaches such as the others included in my matrix. This approach requires teachers take a “back seat” and allow students to direct their own learning assuming that students are willing and motivated to do so. As I conducted my research for this matrix, I saw aspects of each of these theories in the approach I hope to take as a future educator. I am excited about continuing to learn about these theories and how they can be applied in my future career.
Here are a few of the sources I used to compile my information for my matrix.
- http://thepeakperformancecenter.com/educational-learning/learning/theories/ (Links to an external site.)
- http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/Student-Life/blog/March-2015/Four-Top-Learning-Theories-in-the-Age (Links to an external site.)
- https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/chapter/3-6-connectivism/ (Links to an external site.)
- https://joepgaston.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/rethinking-assessment-through-the-theory-of-connectivism/
This post is an assignment for EDM 510 at the University of South Alabama. Information provided on this page is for personal education purposes only. I do not warrant, endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information offered by third-party websites linked through the site or any website or feature linked in my posts.
Learning with Lea-Cameron 
Hi Lea, I enjoyed reading your blog post! I created my matrix in a word document and found it difficult! I was trying to create something like you did (row and columns) but I am not familiar enough with Excel to do that. I didn’t think to use google docs. In researching the learning theories, I found that I was most uncomfortable with the connectivism. It almost seems a little too futuristic to give technology all the info and I just need to find it. Especially since search engines are bias. I like how you set up your blog. It was very easy to read and follow your train of thought! Thanks!
Mary Kathleen
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I have come to use google docs far more often than Word lately. I like that my work saves automatically, and it seems to be more user friendly. Thank you for reading my post and for your feedback!
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Hi, Lea!
You did a great job with your blog. I love that you added your own personal touches to it with the introduction and Nelson Mandela quote. It all looks very nice and professional!
I agree that it was a little more difficult than expected to find all of the information to fill in the matrix. It’s easy to think of different technology examples to use within lessons, but it’s much harder when you’re trying to apply the theories to them.
I think you did a great job! I look forward to reading more of your posts this summer.
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Thank you so much, Abbie! I do not have much experience blogging so I hope I can continue to improve. Thank you for reading my post and for your feedback.
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Hi Lea,
I enjoyed reading your post. I admit that applying these learning theories to the use of technology in the classroom really made me think as well. I had heard of the first three learning theories, but I was completely unfamiliar with Connectivism. I am intrigued by the concept of Connectivism and the reduced emphasis on memorization and greater emphasis on teaching students how to find the answers to their questions or problems. I think those skills are so important for students to learn in today’s world. I think I have felt comfortable using the first three theories, but learning about this fourth realm has given me some new things to consider going forward.
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Danielle, I totally agree with you. Based on the posts I have read from our classmates, many of us are interested in learning more about connectivism. I think it is a relatively new theory so that may be why. Thank you for reading my post!
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Lea, I really enjoyed your learning matrix. I use class dojo and love it for the students. However, I have never thought about using canva for mind mapping. That is a great idea and l look foward to incorporating that in my class next year. I used to have my students do their own blogs a few years ago. They loved it and it really helped their writing skills. It was fun way for them to share and respond to each other. I hope to bring that back this upcoming school year.
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I have not had a chance to actually use dojo but have heard such great things about it. I hope to incorporate blogging or journaling of some capacity into my future classes. Thank you for reading!
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