Defining the Established Theories

While many educational theories exist, from the tried and true behaviorism to the more recent connectivism, most educational scholars agree that grounding teaching and learning in empirically studied and validated theoretical constructs improve learning outcomes (Khalil and Elkider, p, 147).  Let’s revisit four of the most prominently studied teaching and learning theories, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and critical theory, through the lens of modern instruction.

Behaviorism

The first education theory to arise in the twentieth century, Behaviorism focuses on “empirical and discernible behaviours rather than on “mental” processes”. This theory arose as a direct reaction to the nonscientific educational practices during the 1930s, in an effort to establish a more empirical basis for teaching and learning practices   (Belanger, p. 17).

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Cognitivism

In contrast to behaviorism’s laws for observable behaviors, “cognitivist theory interprets cognitive processes, such as reasoning, in terms of information handling and organization” (Legendre, 2005). “The learning process proceeds through successive steps of trial and errors or experimentation, followed by insight and by formulating a solution, moving from simple to complex cognition” (Belanger, p. 23).

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Constructivism

As opposed to the informational systems aspects of Cognitivism, Constructivism poses that “learning is an internal progressive cognitive process through which an individual, confronted by a new environment or new knowledge, recurrently modifies his/her knowledge or learning scheme, thereby constructing new meaning. Teaching, from a personal constructivism perspective, involves providing experiences that induce cognitive conflict and hence encourage learners to develop new knowledge schemes that are better adapted to experience. Practical activities supported by group discussions form the core of such pedagogical practices” (Driver et al., 1994, p. 6; as cited in Belanger, p. 28).

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Critical Theory

Critical theory focuses on transforming relations of –are oppressive and lead to the oppression of people. Critical theory attempts to “humanize and empower learners” (Aliakbari and Faraji, p. 77). It is most associated with the Brazilian educator and activist Paulo Freire using the principals of critical theory of the Frankfurt school as its main source.Great scholars in diverse historical and cultural settings have admonished individuals not to take fixed viewpoints and concepts as reality (Varela, 1999). Critical pedagogues as bricoleurs heed such a warning as they move into a zone of critical complexity”  (Kincheloe, p. 151).

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Applying Theories in Practice

Please read the case example illustrating the ways that teachers could practice each theoretical approach to teaching and learning:

At bedside in the clinic, you review this case with your students: Mr. Hernandez is a 57-year-old male who was admitted two weeks ago to your hospital for a new diagnosis of heart failure when he was on vacation. His ejection fraction was found to be 20%. He was then treated with IV furosemide and discharged. The patient has now arrived at your clinic for follow-up, showing signs of stroke.

Behaviorism- Ask direct questions to the class about the case. Publicly praise students who correctly answer your specific questions.

Cognitivism- You demonstrate to students how you would process patient symptoms and follow-up with this patient. Assign each student to share their summary of the demonstration experience with the others in the class.

Constructivism– Ask the students to create a unique plan for the follow-up and then share their plan with you.

Critical Theory- Ask students to reflect on the unconscious bias prevalent around Hispanic males and lifestyle choices as potentially reflected in his first diagnosis. Was the initial treatment of this patient in terms of whether his initial diagnosis was medically accurate or potentially influenced by unconscious biases? Discuss as a group.

(Rubadue, 2022)