Learning Theories (Classroom Scenarios)

Identify scenes from the classroom and select the relevant theory from the given options

In Ms X’s first grade classroom, she is working with one of her students, Sam, to help him with some challenging attention-span issues. She gives him a sticker whenever she sees him on task.

• Cognitive Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

• Connectivism Theory

• Humanist Theory

As Mr X begins his unit on fractions, he incorporates manipulatives in order to provide a concrete learning experience

• Humanist Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Constructivist Theory

Ms X uses Problem-Based Learning to engage her students in solving real-world problems, meeting several learning targets while giving students autonomy to make decisions. She encourages students to work with peers who have different strengths than their own.

• Constructivist Theory

• Humanist Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

Mrs X, a 2nd-grade teacher, invites each student to set their reading goal for the quarter

• Connectivism Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Constructivist Theory

• Humanist Theory

Mrs X uses a class Twitter account to share information, engage in discussion or announce homework tasks.

• Connectivism Theory

• Humanist Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

• Cognitive Theory

To increase the number of students who turn in their homework each day, Mr X announces that if the class has 100% completion on today’s assignment, they won’t have homework on Friday.

• Humanist Theory

• Constructivist Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

• Cognitive Theory

At the start of every lesson, Mr X asks questions to activate the prior knowledge of his students. He knows this will help to link the new learning concepts to previously retained ideas, increasing the likelihood that the new learning will be remembered.

• Humanist Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Connectivism Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

Mr X intentionally pairs students performing on or above grade level with students performing below grade level, inviting them to turn and talk about their learning throughout a lesson.

• Cognitive Theory

• Humanist Theory

• Behaviourist Theory

• Constructivist Theory

Mrs X, a 5th-grade teacher, sets aside an hour of time each week for students to learn about and create anything they want, utilizing the framework she provides.

• Constructivist Theory

• Humanist Theory

• Connectivism Theory

• Cognitive Theory

In Mr X's physics class, students were asked to create an electric circuit with an online program. Instead of being instructed via a book or classroom lecture, they’re learning about physics by simulating an actual physical setup.

• Connectivism Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Humanist Theory

• Constructivist Theory