ASSIGNMENT 1.2 – Learning Theories Wiki

The learning theories wiki was a partnering activity that we were asked to do. Using the Profiles wiki we had to determine a suitable partner in which we would discuss and collaboratively dissect a learning theory based on a simple PMI (Plus, Minus and Interesting) scaffolding technique we broke down this theory into it’s strengths, weaknesses and unique features. Originally the online grouping in which I was allotted to was ‘Group B’, a group of 4 people. With 2 of the four people already paired up I was approached by Del Waller with the prospect of partnering, to which I humbly obliged. We collectively chose the theory of Cognitive Constructivism via a series of emails between us. 

I found to be a very interesting activity, although much alike the process of our partnering, Del and I conversed over a series of emails, elaborating on a series of points until we came to a series of agreeable conclusions Del was very forthcoming with his ideas, myself acting as an elaborator as such, adding several perspectives he had somewhat overlooked, a very constructivist process indeed. Much alike the previous activity there was an initial theme of behaviourism, given the construction of thinking processes. The ability to relate and connect with a peer (to whom had a much varied background of experiences) via the wiki gave the presence of cognitive thought. 

I came to the conclusion through my understanding of the linked material was that Cognitive Constructivism is the idea that students cannot just "acquire" information that they can immediately understand and put into practice. Rather, students must "construct" their own understanding of knowledge in order to make sense within their own minds. Thus, they should be bombarded with stimuli through an environment of shared ideas, essentially giving them the ability to personalise their individual experiences. I found one the biggest potential disadvantages of Cognitive constructivism was the potential for students to be somewhat over stimulated or simply misguided by their own interpretations (whereas something like behaviourism is very strict and clear on it’s subject and reasoning). Another was that it largely worked off the assumption that all students are motivated or had something to contribute (which may be more difficult if given complex or foreign issues). 

Perhaps, in the future, some years from now I could imagine students utilising wikis or collaborative discussion forums. It is a brilliant concept, but if my memory of my final school years (scarcely five years ago) is anything to go by, then it is hard enough to get students to talk collaborative in the classroom face to face than having them go and online to pool their ideas. With that said though with the rapidly changing classroom structures (with students assuming the role of either digital natives or immigrants there may just be a place for this type of online constructivist learning in the future. If so it will enable students with vast and varied learning styles/ multiple intelligences to express themselves in vast and exciting forms in the pursuit of Higher Order Thinking.