EME 2040 - Reflection 2

After reading some of the details between both the constructivist and behaviorist lesson plans I was able to see that both of them have some major differences.

One major difference between the two is that the instructional design of the behaviorist lesson plan has already have an outcome determined for the student. This interrupts the learning process to embedd into the student's mind this superficial reality. On the other side, contructivism preserves the student's own view of reality because the learning outcome is not always predictable. It is not as controlling as behaviorism.

Also, The constructivist lesson plan seems a bit simpler than a behaviorist lesson plan, in my opinion. Constructivist lesson plans use the student's previous experiences to help them learn the material not just as an entire class but as an individual. I think the special attention helps each student learn everything at the proper pace. Not only does it help the student, but it also helps the instructor in trying to figure out what level each of their students are. In return, you are able to teach the material better and with a better understanding of how your student functions. You should construct an activity so that the student may feel more involved in their learning experience. An activity will be able to help the student learn and understand the material first hand and also allow the instructor to test if they are understanding the lessons. For instance, a teaching might have the students point out what item in the room is a specific color when they are being taught their colors.

Personally, I believe that a behaviorist lesson plan is a bit less personal then the constructivist lesson plan. In a behaviorist lesson plan what the student knowledge, and the goal is more important than the student actually enjoying class and really learning and applying the material. Behaviorist lesson plan is focused solely on the student obtaining knowledge and reaching the set goal rather than help to add on to what the student already knows. The word "behavior" is incorporated into this type of lesson plan for a reason, you know. The teacher focuses on the obedience of the student and figure out a way to keep the student behaved and focused. In a behaviorist lesson plan the instructor must be in control of the class because everything that is to be done in class is already pre-prepared in writing, as I had mentioned earlier.

I believe the constructivist plan is a more effective way of teaching because it is more interactive and focuses on the student as an individual, not just a child that needs to be obedient. Behaviorist plan reminds me sort of of baby sitting, in a way. In a constructivist plan, the student is more involved with the lesson and it makes it funner for them to learn. In turn, they understand the material better. However, a bit of behaviorist planning to keep the student focused (a mixture of the two) will be even more effective.