Learning Theories- Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Socioculturalism.

For the second lecture, Mr Low introduced 3 major E-Learning theories to the class. He further explained the importance of the need to discuss theory in E-Learning as for the need for prescription & justification (Smith & Ragan)

He also drew a S +R = L diagram for Behaviorism



Where S symbolized the Stimulus , R for Reinforcement which in turn leads to L (Learning), thus explaining Behaviorist pedagogy to be akin to drill and practice, with somewhat following a manual, reminding me of the Rote learning debate that was brought to the fore recently in local forums.

Ironically, what i've just stated earlier on in this blog post (where I described Mr. Alfred as having said so and so, introduced so and so) being one of the examples of Behaviorism, where it is somewhat what I see and get is what I regurgitate.

Such, perhaps could have been the concern of our Government recently, and I was waiting for the announcement of the Primary school curriculum changes before I decided to blog this weeks reflections.

And true enough, it could be inferred that MOE is veering away from too much emphasis on Behaviorist pedagogy,

as the latest announcement to do away with year-end examinations in Primary 1 & 2 were announced.

Instead of examinations, the PERI Committee has recommended that schools introduce bite-sized tests for Primary 1 and 2 students, and for parents to be given regular updates on the children's progress.

Senior Minister of State for Education Grace Fu, chairperson of Primary Education Review and Implementation (PERI) Committee, said: "We'd like our students to enjoy the process of learning, and therefore having assessment that is tailored to the way that we teach is important.

"Having them sit through very important year-end exams may not be the best idea and I think there are better ways of assessing their progress. We can find better substitutes than just a one-off examination at year-end."

(Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/405140/1/.html)

Perhaps it could spark the heralding of emphasis on Cognitivism , where the learner has to construct his or her own meaning from the instruction, and seen in the emphasis towards more arts in primary schools, where there would be a new
Programme for Active Learning (PAL) where students will have to participate in modular activities in two broad areas – Sports & Outdoor Education and Performing & Visual Arts.

Why, this would be relevant to E-Learning in primary schools as well, as gone are the days where I had to play software games which were purely drill and practice for IT lessons (although there were colourful buttons and graphics, the nuance was still very rote based)

Why, such could also bring in the Sociocultural stance of learning in such schools,where having the students to do Sports and Outdoor activities together could be a first step to collaboratiive and imitative learning if it could be extrapolated into teaching pedagogy when they start to learn through the computer.

I remember, they started to introduce E-learning through the computer by Primary 4, and i feel that you are not too young to engage in such collaborative learning at such an age, as children nowadays are very bright and full of ideas, it will be interesting to see them collaborate and learn through the Sociocultural pedagogy!

E- Learning Module Week One

What's so special about the human touch? Whats so unique about human communication? Can we ever be void of human communication in learning?

These questions weighed on my mind when it comes to the subject of E-learning

I believe that it is very difficult to effectively execute a 'sterile' form of learning without any form of relationship, or human communication involved, one advantage i can think of is:

-motivation ( an individual would be motivated if placed in a group setting with communication, vis self-paced learning where the person might not have an advantage of such , 'also seen as competition to some')


On another note, I'm interested to find out about the impact and feasibility of e-learning in disadvantaged societies/locations, where issues of cultural differences (or impediments?), cognitive skills in using computers..

one initiative that springs to mind is the "One laptop per child" movement chaired by Nicholas Negroponte.

and a question: will the children know 'what' to do with the laptop if it gets to them?