Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some students learn best by doing, others by watching, and some while thinking through it?
Imagine three different teachers: one rewards you for correct answers, one helps you think harder, and one models things like behaviors or problems to copy. Which teacher would help you most and why?
Task
Your job as students is to become an Expert in Education and create a product that explains the differences between the three different learning theories!
The three learning theories are:
1. Cognitive Psychology
2. Behaviorism
3. Social Cognitive Theory
Students instructions
1. Research each of the three theories
2. Find what is similar and different about each of them
3. Apply them to situations inside the classroom
4. Create a final product that helps teach others
There are multiple ways you can submit your final product. You can submit
1. Google Slides Presentation
2. Canvas Presentation
3. Short Video
4. Poster
5. Essay
Your final product must include:
1. Definition of each theory
2. Key characteristics of each theory
3. Classroom examples for each
4. Comparison of all three theories
Process
Step 1: Learn the Basics
Use the following links to research and understand each theory:
Simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html
Simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
Simplypsychology.org/social-cognitive-theory.html
Step 2: Take Notes
Create a chart/table with the following categories:
-Definition
-Key Theorist
-How learning happens
-Classroom example ideas
Step 3: Compare Theories
Answer:
-How are these theories similar?
-How are there theories different?
-Which theory focuses most on thinking?
-Which theory focuses most on behavior?
-Which theory focuses on observation and modeling?
Step 4: Apply to Real Life
Think about inside a classroom:
-How would a behaviorist teacher teach?
-How would a cognitive teacher teach?
-How would a social cognitive teacher teach?
Step 5: Create your Product
Choose which format you want to use and include:
-Clear explanations for each theory
-Visuals or examples for each theory
-A comparison section (this can be done in a table or chart)
-Real classroom explanations for each theory
Evaluation
Rubric 4 (Excellent) 3(Good) 2(Basic) 1 (Needs Work)
| Understanding of Theories | Clear, Accurate, and Detailed | Mostly accurate | Some confusion | Incorrect, Weak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison of Theories | Strong, Clear | Clear, weak in some spots | Basic | Missing, Incorrect |
| Classroom Application | Real, thoughtful examples | Some Examples | Few Examples | No Examples |
| Creativity | Highly Engaging | Somewhat Engaging | Basic | Minimal Effort Given |
| Organization | Very Clear, Easy to Follow | Mostly Clear, Easy to Follow | Somewhat Unclear | Disorganized |
Conclusion
By completing this WebQuest, you know understand that learning is not all the same. Each theory provided different ways for students to learn, think, behave, and grow.
Reflection:
Answer the Following Questions:
1. Which theory do you think is most effective and why?
2. Which theory matches how you best learn?
3. How can teachers use all three theories to help their students in the classroom?
Credits
Student Sample: