Theories of Learning in Practice

Instead of giving a lecture on gravity, Mrs. Lopez has her students conduct an experiment where they drop different objects from various heights and observe their fall. Afterward, she asks them to discuss their findings and come up with their own explanations before she provides additional insights.

• Constructivism

• Humanism

• Cognitivism

• Connectivism

Ms. Rivera is teaching her students about the water cycle. Instead of just telling them the facts, she uses visual diagrams, step-by-step explanations, and mnemonic devices to help them understand and retain the information.

• Connectivism

• Behaviorism

• Humanism

• Cognitivism

In Mr. Carter’s classroom, students earn points for good behavior and lose points for breaking the rules. At the end of the week, students with the most points get to choose a reward, like extra recess or a fun classroom activity. Over time, students begin to follow the rules without constant reminders.

• Humanism

• Behaviorism

• Connectivism

• Constructivism

Mrs. Patel encourages her students to use online resources, discussion forums, and digital collaboration tools to explore real-world problems. She teaches them how to find, filter, and evaluate information from multiple sources, emphasizing the importance of learning in a networked, digital environment.

• Humanism

• Behaviorism

• Connectivism

• Constructivism

Mr. Johnson notices that one of his students, Sarah, has been struggling with self-confidence. He sets up a one-on-one meeting to understand her feelings and encourages her to take on a class project that aligns with her personal interests. He praises her efforts and ensures she feels valued and supported in her learning journey.

• Humanism

• Behaviorism

• Connectivism

• Constructivism