Applying Learning Theory in the Classroom

Applying Learning Theory in the Classroom The two main influential learning approaches are the behaviourist and the cognitive approach to learning theories. This report critically evaluates how learning theories are applied in the 14-19 Applied Science classroom. It examines how behaviourism, although an outdated theory, is still relevant in the modern classroom and is still used in developing the rewards and sanctions policies of the modern school. The impact of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is evaluated and what possible difficulties might arise if they were applied exactly as Piaget dictated. The impact of adhering rigorously to Piaget maturational stages is criticised and how it might not be possible to adhere to set ages for progression in a school. Kolb, Vygotsky and Bruner’s constructivist approaches are compared and shown that, when applied to a motivated class they work as they were originally intended and yet when applied to a more disaffected class, they aren’t as easily applied. T he science classroom is an inherently dangerous place for students to work in (Frost, Turner, 2005, p.168). It is therefore necessary to instil a level of ‘discipline’ in the students, to ensure they minimize the dangers to themselves and others in the science classroom. It is necessary to ‘condition’ (Child, 1997, pp.114-121)the students to behave when certain commands are issued. Behaviour theorists believed that the mind was a blank slate ‘tabula rasa’ and that we could observe the response to stimulus that happened to an organism. Watson thought that a response is more likely to be connected to an environmental event (stimulus), if that stimulus-response is repeated regularly and with a short period of time between them (Child, 1997, p.115). Thorndike showed that the student is less likely to repeat negative stimulus-responses, which therefore means that there will be an increase in the positive stimulus-responses, until a correct response is repeated regularly. The stimulus-response is then reinforced whenever a positive result is produced (Child, 1997, pp.114-121). Skinner made several conclusions from his findings in Operant Conditioning (Child, 1997, pp.119-121). The steps taken in the conditioning process must be small. Regular rewards are required at the early stages, but once the conditioning is reflexive, rewards can be given less regularly. The rewards must come immediately or shortly after a positive response to ensure maximum effectiveness (feedback) (Child, 1997, pp.114-121) When discussing learning theories, it’s necessary to mention Pavlov due to the importance held in his work, even if it doesn’t really directly affect the classroom. Pavlov pioneered the idea of classical conditioning with his famous experiment where he taught dogs to salivate, when a stimulus was applied, just before food was given to them. The dogs eventually associated the ringing of the bell with the arrival of food an d salivated in anticipation of the food arriving (Child, 1997, pp.116-118). Pavlov’s work does not directly link to teaching in the classroom, but it does apply, in that the students may be conditioned, to have a memory or a response to an event that happens within the classroom environment.

Problem and solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Problem and solution - Essay Example Another effect of junk foods is poor performance and obesity. These foods contain very huge amounts of fats. Obesity is caused by accumulation of these fats in the body resulting in abnormal weight gains. A person who consumes junk foods at least twice a week gains an extra 4.5kg of body weight. Johnson, Paul Kenny(2010). Solution: the most effective way of reducing obesity is regular physical exercises. Exercising leads to burning of excess calories since it speeds up metabolism rate in the body hence aiding in shedding away some of the weight. Excessive intake of junk food should also be avoided, instead one should increase intake of white meat such as fish instead of red meat. High levels of sodium and fats contained in junk food can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. Disproportionate dietary sodium can also have an undesirable effect on renal function and can cause kidney ailment. Consumption of junk food during pregnancy can intensify the risk of poor mental health, anxiety and depression in the young ones. It also causes emotional and behavioral problems such as tantrums and aggression. When junk foods are frequently used, they can cause cancer. This is based on the fact that they lack all the vitamins and proteins that are essential for proper functioning of the body. The immune system is also impaired. As a result, the diseased cells can become cancerous. Furthermore, packed junk foods usually contain preservatives and coloring which have carcinogenic substance. These carcinogenic substances are harmful for the body especially for the cardiovascular

Corporate Social Responsibility Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Corporate Social Responsibility Report - Essay Example The effectiveness of the classical model of self-regulation is of particular concern in this paper. The Classical Model of corporate responsibility argues that general interests of society can be met by different organizations, each of which plays a distinct role in the system (Okpara, & Idowu, 2013). The basic role of corporate bodies should, therefore, revolve around economic issues rather than social development. Rahim and Alam (2014) noted that the primary objective of the business entity should be to make the highest amount of profit, which practically propels executives to act in the best interest of their company shareholders, provided their actions are within the law. The basis of this concept is methodological individualism (Crane, & Matten, 2010). The belief implies that the entity is the most important asset in the system. Habisch (2005) noted that such parties pursue ways in which they can best meet their own interests and act logically to increase self-satisfaction. The classical theory requires that if a corporate body â€Å"X† has $10, 000 and it is badly in need of raw materials that would cost half the money to make a product for a period of one month, it would exchange $5,000 for the material. This implies that there are no grounds for the company to spend the entire money on the raw materials when half of the amount would meet the current demand. Such strategy makes the company and its shareholders happy, considering that they would easily access the remainder of the money and benefit from the profits made through the reasoned expenditure. According to Blowfield and Murray (2014), the invisible hand of parties working together in an environment where each party stands to gain mutually satisfying exchanges creates the platform for the most sustainable economic system. As such, the classical theory requires that a corporate body that is keen on fulfilling its utilitarian institutional obligations to society