Introduction
Have you ever wondered why you might not learn the same as others? Maybe your friend remembers everything just by reading, but you need to talk about it or watch a video. What if you could uncover the science behind how everyone learns? In this WebQuest, you will become a learning detective that will discover how Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive Theory shape how we think and learn.
Background Information:
Cognitive Psychology helps us to understand how to take in information, decision making, and making use of what we already know.
Behaviorism is the idea that you learn by watching others and then changing an action based off of that.
Social Cognitive Theory is watching others, thinking about what they did, and then deciding if you should do the same. This is from what we see and how we think.
Task
Your task is to be a learning detective and examine the three different learning theories: Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive Theory.
During this task, you will work in small groups to exam the three learning theories. Each person in your group will focus on learning about one of the theories, then you will come together to share your findings. You will research these theories from sources I provide and create a presentation on any platform that is 3-5 minutes long. In this presentation, you will share what these theories are and use real life examples that relates to how we learn. At the end, your group will investigate which theory they think is most beneficial and helps students learn best and why.
Process
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assign who will do what theory:
Cognitive: Investigate how our brains take in certain information, use memory, and solve problems.
Behaviorists: How actions can be made by rewards and reactions from what we see and hear.
Social Cognitive: Find how people learn from watching others, thinking, and making a decision to do the same or not.
2. Research:
Use these websites to find your information:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html
https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/social-cognitive-theory
Make sure to write notes and focus on what this theory is as a whole and real world examples.
3. Come together and share with one another what you found.
-Talk about what you learned your theory is and how it relates to learning.
4. Create a Group Presentation
-Create a 3-5 minute long presentation as a group that talks about what these theories are and a real life example that relates to how we learn.
-Include a visual with each slide to represent the theory.
-On the last slide, as a group decide which theory is most beneficial and helps students learn the best and why.
-You can use any platform you decide (Canva, Google Slides, etc.)
5. Presenting:
-After each group is finished with their powerpoint, you will present to your fellow learning detective classmates to see what they discovered.
Evaluation
| Criterion |
Below Expectations: (1) |
Meets Expectations: (3) |
Exceeds Expectations (5) |
Score |
|
Understanding of Theories |
Shows limited or incorrect understanding. | Shows minimal understanding, but does have accurate points. | Deep and clear understanding of all three theories. | |
| Group Collaboration | Minimal role clarity or collaboration with the rest of the group. | Roles are mainly clear; some collaboration is apparent. | Roles are very clear and shows strong and clear teamwork. | |
| Use of Resources | Resources are not used or not used effectively. | Use of some relevant resources used effectively. | All required resources are used correctly to show learning. | |
| Final Product Quality | Product is incomplete and lacks detail and understanding. | Product shows effort and meets basic understanding and requirements. | Product is thorough, creative, and shows complete understanding. | |
| Reflection and Critical Thinking | Reflection is missing or lacks depth. | Provides a basic reflection with some connection to content. | Provides in depth reflection, higher order thinking, and understanding. |
Conclusion
Congratulations, Learning Detectives!
You have learned about what shapes how we learn by researching. By examining Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive Theory, you have learned how no two people learn the exact same and maybe even learned more about how you learn!
As you move forward, consider these questions:
-Which theory challenged your thinking the most, and why?
-How do cultural backgrounds impact how effective these learning theories are?
-How can these theories be used beyond education?
Credits
Links to resources that were used in this WebQuest:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html
https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/social-cognitive-theory
Teacher Page
Title: Mind Over Matter: The Learning Theories
Standards: (INTASC Standard 1); incorporate knowledge of individual differences ad diversity in the classroom (INTASC
Standard 2); demonstrate the interconnectedness of the central concepts of Education Psychology to engage
learners in critical thinking and creativity (INTASC Standard 5); plan and create developmentally appropriate,
sequential, and challenging learning opportunities (INTASC Standard 7); and understand a variety of
instructional tools to meet build skills and apply knowledge in meaningful ways (INTASC Standard 8).
Purpose: This WebQuest helps students to engage in learning about Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive Theory. Students work together to explain learning, how they differ, and apply to real world scenarios.
Reflection and Extension:
Differentiation: Allow written reflection if needed.
Extension Activity: Students can write a short paper discussing their favorite theory and the one they relate the most to.
Extra: Explore debates of how these theories influence education.