INTC 5110 Class Four February 14, 2012

Today’s class saw the first three of the seven learning theory projects we will study in this class. The first of the three presentations was on Synectics, which are teaching approaches that use metaphors and analogy to increase the understanding of students about a specific topic or issue. To me the most important aspect of Synectics is the use of making the familiar strange and the strange familiar. The learner is encouraged to think outside the box. Synectics is similar to brainstorming in teams. One of the results of using Synectics in groups is that the ideas that others discover can trigger new ideas for other members in the group.

Skinner Box

The next presentation was on Behaviorism.  B. F. Skinner and his famous experiments were examined. We also looked at some of Pavlov’s work and related it to Behaviorism Theory. Since I attended Catholic school as a child, I think I have experienced behaviorism in action. 

Pavlov's dog experiments are staples in psychology and now I have a better understanding of how they relate to behaviorism. These theories all relate to one another in their various ways.





Pavlov's Dog



We had a lesson that used behaviorism as the learning method. While some aspects of Behaviorism work well, I don’t think it is a good approach for all learning; especially higher level learning.

Cognitivism uses the brain



The final lesson was on cognitivism. Cognitive theory uses the scientific method, and measurable means to approach and define learning. The focus is on the brain and how it is able to learn.

We ended the night knowing that we have many methods to utilize in our training and teaching methods.



Next week will provide even more theories to incorporate.