There is a number of learning approaches that have been developed to be utilized by teachers. However, educationists find it hard to choose the best approach. Consequently, two educational theories, constructivism, and behaviorism have been held in a strong and controversial debate as to which of them has a stronger impact on student learning. Proponents of behaviorism theory believe that it is the best approach that can be used in the learning process while at the same time supporters of constructivism theory believe that their theory is the most suitable methodology that can be embraced in learning. Therefore, the paper compares and contrasts constructivism and behavioral theories with respect to their effectiveness in the learning process. Both theories complement each other in the learning process and can be used interchangeably based on the learning environment and condition (Watrin & Darwich, 2012).
Similarities between the Theories
The main similarity between behaviorism and constructivism is that they are both philosophies of learning. Both theories help in explaining and defining ways in which students learn in schools, as they are all focusing on the nature of learning, including characteristics and nature of knowledge (Watrin & Darwich, 2012). Proponents of the theories hold different views and perceptions on how learning takes place and how knowledge can be defined. As a result, both theories have a significant effect on methods and approaches used in teaching learners in different learning environments such as conventional classroom setting and online teaching. Constructivism and behaviorism also focus on structuring and presentation of learning materials. In addition, both theories address the roles played by learners in every education system. Therefore, despite different views and approaches in learning, both constructivism and behaviorism theories are philosophies of learning that explain how learning takes place in the educational system. They were both developed to help children learn (Watrin & Darwich, 2012).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Another similarity is that both theories attempt to explain human behaviors, particular behaviors in the learning system. Behaviorism tries to explain how external environment influences human behavior. According to behaviorists, humans learn new behaviors through classical or operant conditioning (Watrin & Darwich, 2012). Constructivism also attempts to explain human behavior by asserting that behaviors of human beings are influenced by their perceptions and experiences. Even though the two theories take different approaches in explaining human behaviors, they both try to explain human behaviors, especially in learning environments.
Therefore, behaviorism and constructivism are important theories in educational systems. They help teachers to come up with the best approaches that they can use to teach learners to enhance their academic performance. At the same time, the theories enable teachers to understand behaviors of learners, which may lead to effective teaching and quality education (Pavlović, 2015).
Differences between the Theories
The primary difference between constructivism and behaviorism is based on their definitions. Behaviorism is a learning theory that is based on the perception that all human behaviors are acquired through conditioning and are influenced by environmental factors. According to behaviorists, the process of conditioning takes place through human interaction with the environment. In addition, behaviorism focuses on learning through observing. In the contrary, behaviorism is based on the assumption that, through reflection on their experiences, humans are able to construct their own understanding of the world and surrounding environment (Pavlović, 2015). Constructivists also argue that human beings have the ability to come up with rules and mental models, which they use to make sense of their experiences.
The theories also differ in terms of the role of learners in the educational system. According to behaviorists, students are passive learners while constructivists argue that who largely depend on teachers and the surrounding environment. In the contrary, constructivists believe that students are active learners who generate new information and reflect on their previous experiences based on their perceptions. Therefore, according to constructivism, students are active players in the learning process, as they seek to find new meanings in their experiences (Pavlović, 2015). Hence, the theory maintains that knowledge varies from one person to another based on his or her experience no one can have the power to define what constitute knowledge.
Constructivism and behaviorism also differ with regard to the role of a teacher in the learning process. According to constructivism, teachers play a passive role in the learning process because they do not transfer new materials to learners. Constructivists argue that teachers only show the way and guide students but allow students to make their own steps (Boghossian, 2006). However, based on the argument of behaviorists, teachers are supposed to gather knowledge from the world and convey them to learners (Boghossian, 2006). They also argue that the role of a teacher in the learning process is to transmit knowledge, instruct, and control learners. Therefore, learners are only supposed to replicate what teachers are instructing them to do.
Hence, the theories take different approaches as far as learning is concerned. However, behaviorisms seem to be more practical in the modern learning environment than constructivism mainly because learners must rely on relying on the input from teachers for their academic success. Studies have shown that teachers play a significant role in the academic success of learners. Therefore, it is hard for teachers to play a passive role as suggested by constructivists (Pavlović, 2015).
Conclusion
Both constructivism and behaviorism play a significant role in the educational system because they act as a guideline on how to teach and impact knowledge in students. There are learning environments that require teachers to play active roles while some learning conditions require instructors to be passive. Despite different approaches, both theories can be used to enhance the quality of teaching. However, it is important to critically analyze the effective of the theories before applying them in the learning process.
References
Boghossian, P. (2006). Behaviorism, constructivism, and socratic pedagogy. Educational Philosophy and Theory , 38 (6), 713-722.
Pavlović, J. (2015). Imagining Possible Futures: Scenarios for Constructivist Psychology. Studies in Meaning . 5(1), 221-245.
Watrin, J. P., & Darwich, R. (2012). On behaviorism in the cognitive revolution: Myth and reactions. Review of General Psychology , 16 (3), 269-283.
