Reflections on Behaviorism, Cognitive Information Processing, and Constructivism in Distance Learning

Reflections on Behaviorism, Cognitive Information Processing, and Constructivism in Distance Learning Introduction This paper introduces the three predominant theories of learning and instruction – behaviorism, cognitive information processing, and constructivism. Each is discussed briefly to provide a foundation for the remainder of the paper which evaluates each theory from the perspective of an instructional designer for distance learning. Major Learning Theories Behaviorism Behaviorism is characterized by a focus on observable behavior in response to environmental stimuli. Respondent behavior is an involuntarily response to either conditioned or unconditioned stimuli, as Pavlov showed in his classical conditioning experiments in which he evoked respondent behavior by presenting an unconditioned stimulus, both neutral and unconditioned stimuli, and finally the neutral stimulus alone to which the subject was then conditioned to respond. Operant behavior is under the control of the individual and recurs depending on the consequences of that behavior, as Skinner showed in his operant conditioning experiments. Operant behaviors are strengthened by consequences of positive and negative reinforcement and weakened by consequences of punishment and reinforcement removal. There is no consideration of mental states, cognitive processes, or motivation -only behavior that can be observed and measured. Cognitive Information Processing Cognitive information processing is based on a computer information processing model. The learner, from a cognitivist’s viewpoint, receives information through the senses, and stores it in short-term memory, using the processes of chunking or rehearsal. In order for the information to be available in the long term, it must be transferred to long-term memory through an encoding process by which the new information is related to prior knowledge resulting in knowledge persistence and meaningful learning. Cognitive information processing is concerned with the actual structures that are constructed in memory to store, organize, and aid in the retrieval of the information. Metacognition, which is an awareness of the structures and processes involved, is also important principle in cognitive information processing learning theory that affects learning.