Re-write in your own words

Week 4 Blog

This week’s chapters focused on learning theories regarding how we learn as humans. There are a few significant terminologies such as operant conditioning and information processing theories (Snowman and McCown, 2013). These are classical common behavior theories that we have been using in the traditional classrooms. They are effective theories in practice and have demonstrated positive outcomes throughout the years. It is essential to embrace and understand about these foundational theories as an emerging student into the educational field. However, I still have to question at times that are the reward based system the best practice to help our students achieving their optimal level of success?

According to Snowman and McCown (2013), “The term operant conditioning refers to the fact that organizsm learn to “operate” on their environment (make a particular response) to obtain or avoid particular conditions.” (p. 149). I suppose that this has been the traditional way we are all raised to behave both at home and in a classroom. Although this method is effective because the person operating the conditions can achieve success by ensuring the participants to behave into the desire outcomes, however, does this allow room for creativity? It seems almost manipulative in its nature to ensure we can acquire our goals. Make no mistake that as a parent, I have definitely used this theory without knowing it on maintaining various order in my household. Partly because I am or have been conditioned to behave a certain way as a parent based on societal expectation. I am not against behavioral theories or think it is wrong in a certain way. Operant conditioning works wonderfully with children in setting limitations and expectations of behaviors. Children requires stability and consistency to function within a world that can be overwhelming and chaotic. In a classroom environment with multiple number of children and various personalities, having a universal practice to condition student behaviors can be the key to success.

The next chapter discussed informational processing theory regarding how human being learn and the way we process information. (Snowman and McCown, 2013). Once again, I am completely fascinated by how our brains are created and its functionalities. We have a complex and amazing organ that can separate information into short and term memories. “Meaningful learning occurs when organized material is associated with stored knowledge.” (Snowman and McCown, 2013, p. 173). When teachers or educators sort information in an organized manner will help students to better retain the information. Human brains can process information in a fluid manner when is reduced into small pieces. We can absorb better with stimulating colors and visual images.

The process of learning occurs every moment of everyday. Although these chapters discuss the concepts of learning in a classroom, but we have to take in account of the creative aspect of student personalities. Predictability and stability are important elements in a child’s learning environment, however, we often times learn from play times and natural sense of accomplishments.

Reference

Snowman, J., & McCown, R. (2013). Ed Psych . Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.