Overview
Personal learning experience
Cognitivism focuses on internal mental processes behind the behavior. Based on that, I consider the Chemistry class in middle school as a cognitive learning experience. The lesson supports a myriad of visual learning materials, such as PowerPoint, illustrations, animations, and physical models. The teacher used theses visual learning tools to instruct students to learn, memorize, organize, and understand the abstract and abstruse information of Chemistry.
Connectivism is an alternative theory that explains how the Internet creates a network of knowledge in the cyberspace where people can learn and share information among them. I think my learning experience with MOOCs is a decent example of Connectivism. In this case, students all around the world can access learning materials online through MOOC platforms. These platforms also allow people to learn and share knowledge remotely. Edx, for example, provides discussion panels for the learner and the instructor to exchange thoughts and feedback.
Scenario
A group of students is in a Spanish writing class. Cognitivism strategy aims to support the learners in developing mental processes that allow them to complete complex learning tasks. In cognitive approaches, the instructor firstly guides students to use mind map brainstorm their thesis. After that, the instructor further introduces them to several useful models of writing structure that they could apply to organize the composition. It’s also necessary for the instructor to expound to students how those models work compatibly with the expressions they’ve learned before. In this scenario, the instructor organizes, sequences, and presents the lesson in a way that is understandable and meaningful to the thought process of students. With the connectivism, the instructor shares online resources to students where they can access to Spanish learning materials such as textbooks, instructional videos, and audios.
References
David. L. (June 19, 2015). Cognitivism. Learning Theories. Retrieved from https://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html.
Siemens. G. (January, 2005). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Ag
Learning Theories. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance
Learning. Retrieved from http://itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm
