Introduction
HOW do YOU learn? Many psychologists have debated over the years on how students learn. Some believe it is by setting up a system of rewards and punishments. Others believe it's all about thinking and memory, or by learning from others through observation.
In this WebQuest you will explore the key differences of:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behaviorism
- Social Cognitive Theory
As you do your research, consider which theory aligns the closest with how you like to learn.
Task
This will be an individual task. Students will research Social Cognitive Theory, Behaviorism, and Cognitive Psychology.
- Research each theory (links will be provided)
- Compare their explanations of learning (do you think one is better than the other and why?)
- Apply the theory to a real-life situation (which theory do see most used in today's classroom?)
- Create a final product highlighting the comparisons and differences
Final Product Options:
- 1-2 page written essay
- Slide presentation
- Video explanation
Process
Links for research:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-cognitive-theory.html
https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvVaTy8mQrg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSXyQL3ZfdU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w-pWDkNIcg
You may use additional links in your research. Be sure to cite them in your final product. Think about the key ideas of each theory, how they are applied in today's classroom, and how it relates to your learning.
- Learn the basics of each theory
- Understand the relationships between learning and behavior change
- Think about how learning happens
Social Cognitive Theory
- Main Ideas (learning by observing through others)
- How do people learn from others?
- Why does confidence matter? Can others learn through watching your behavior?
Behaviorism
- Main Ideas (learning through rewards and punishments)
- What role does positive reinforcement play?
- How does behavior change through rewards and punishments?
Cognitive Psychology
- Main Ideas (thinking, memory, problem-solving)
- How do people store and remember information?
- What role does memory play in learning?
Your final must include:
- Explanation of each theory, and their key ideas
- 2 comparisons and 2 differences of each
- Real-life analysis example
- Visually appealing if using a slide presentation, and using proper grammar if using a word document.
Evaluation
| 100 pts | <90 pts | <80 pts | <70 pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearly explains main ideas, and concepts of all theories | explains main ideas, and concepts, but could elaborate more | Briefly explains main idea, leaves out some important concepts; little to no detail | some main ideas and concepts explained; lacks the majority of information |
| Clearly states 2 comparisons, and differences of each theory; applies to real-life scenario | states 2 comparisons and differences in each theory, but lacks detail | briefly states 1-2 comparisons and differences but lacks a lot of detail; vague comparisons | no comparisons or differences explained; little to no explanation |
| Visually appealing, very organized; no grammatical errors, cites all sources | organized and appealing, little to no errors, all sources cited | un-organized; lack of detail; one or more grammatical errors; not very appealing; some graphics used | no organization whatsoever; multiple errors; no sources cited |
Conclusion
Which theory do you think best explains how YOU learn and why?
Think about how these theories are used at home, school, the workplace, and other settings.