At the dawn of education, educators believed the purpose of learning was to gather wisdom, develop skills, and instill proper moral values. From the Traditionalist Perspective of learning, education was thought to aid in the enrichment of the individual, and cultivate the potential of all learners. With the passage of time, educational theories have evolved to meet societal needs. The two most prominent theories, behaviorism, and constructivism, each advocate vastly different approaches to learning, and how students acquire, assimilate, and apply knowledge.
Behaviorism is a theory of learning that attempts to explain behavior through measurable, observable variables. Its sole focus is on the learner; essentially, the theory states that learners’ behavior can be altered, improved, and reconfigured through effective behavior modification techniques. Behaviorists would argue that learners are essentially “empty vessels” in which ideas are inserted and stored, much like data is placed in a computer. Those who embrace this theory would suggest that knowledge can be quickly transferred, measured, and can be tangible. Moreover, the focus is placed on the external environment, teachers, and how best to modify and shape learner’s behavior.
In contrast to behaviorism, Constructivism is a learning theory that suggests that knowledge is internally constructed by the learner and that it is continually changing and expanding as a result of experiences and interactions with the environment. This theory is based on insight into the internal thought processes, observation, and reflection of the learner. Constructivists would state that the purpose of education is to help the learner make meaning of knowledge; the teacher’s role is to act as a guide or facilitator, and offer guidance and support to help individuals acquire new knowledge and understanding.
The two theories also differ with regard to learning materials. Behaviorism relies heavily on structured materials that are scripted and broken down into small, easily digestible bits of information. Constructivism, on the other hand, emphasizes active exploration, interactions in the real world, and even longer activities such as research projects and field trips.
The two learning theories differ in the way knowledge is absorbed and how people participate in the learning process. While behaviorism is focused on how the teacher can best shape and modify learner’s behavior, constructivism places a higher value on collaboration and exploration. Both theories attempt to explain how learners acquire knowledge and understanding, yet each approach is vastly different. To ensure success in the classroom, educators should take into account both theories, as each offers its own unique perspective on the learning process.
