Ecological Systems Theory

Proponent’s Logic

This theory looks at a child’s development within the context of the system of relationships that
form his or her environment. Urie Bronfenbrenner’s theory defines complex “layers” of
environment, each having an effect on a child’s development. This theory has recently been
renamed “bioecological systems theory” to emphasize that a child’s own biology is a primary
environment fueling her development. The interaction between factors in the child’s maturing
biology, his immediate family/community environment, and the societal landscape fuels and
steers his development. Changes or conflict in any one layer will ripple throughout other layers.
To study a child’s development then, we must look not only at the child and her immediate
environment, but also at the interaction of the larger environment as well.

The five environmental systems are: (1) microsystem - encompasses the relationships and
interactions a child has with her immediate surroundings; (2) mesosystem - this layer provides
the connection between the structures of the child’s microsystem; (3) exosystem - this layer
defines the larger social system in which the child does not function directly; (4) macrosystem -
this layer is comprised of cultural values, customs, and laws; and, (5) chronosystem - this system
encompasses the dimension of time as it relates to a child’s environments.

Student’s Logic

Ecological Systems Theory holds that the development of a child reflects the influence of
several environmental systems. Like for example, the family of the child, his/her friends, his/her
classmates, his/her teachers, and others that can be found that surround the environment of the
child affects his/her development.

This theory identifies five environmental systems that include several factors that affect
the development of the child. These five environmental systems are: microsystem, mesosystem,
exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. These systems just prove that everyone or
everything that surrounds the child is essential even though the child has direct or indirect
contact with these. Example of the indirect contact that a child encounters is the job of his/her
parent, this job may affect a child in such way that because of this job, his/her parent has limited
time for him/her. The mass media, culture, politics and economy also affects the child’s
development even though the child is subconscious about it.

I agree on this theory because I believe that the ecological systems that surround a child
are very important. Thinking about it, our surrounding is where we seek for protection, for
acceptance, for belongingness, and for love. Here, in our surrounding, this is where we can find
what we are looking for. With our family and friends, there, we find the will to carry on, the
motivation we need, and the strength to carry on. Also, with our surrounding, we develop
ourselves through the help of them but then, we need to admit the fact that also through this
surrounding, for sometimes, we become worst. A proper guidance is all what we need so that we
can be a better person.
Educational Implication

Ecological Systems Theory can be implied by providing stable and long term
relationships among students. We can see this during our elementary and high school days,
wherein through the whole school year, we have the same classmates or seatmates. I believe that
through this, a student develops by interacting to others. Long term relationship helps in such
way that a student is able to explore his/her classmate’s attitudes and thus, that student may help
his/her classmate to improve some of his/her classmate’s attitudes.

Schools and teachers help students to explore what it is happening outside the four
corners of the classroom. They also provide assistance that helps students to develop themselves.
For some instances, we prefer our teachers as our second parents and our school as our second
home because we feel that through the knowledge and experiences they share, we belong.
 Cumulative Learning Theory

Proponent’s Logic

The proponent of this theory is Robert Mills Gagne, an essentialist.

This theory stipulates that there are several different types or levels of learning. The
significance of these classifications is that each different type requires different types of
instruction. Gagne identifies five major categories of learning: verbal information, intellectual
skills, cognitive strategies, motor skills and attitudes. Different internal and external conditions
are necessary for each type of learning. For example, for cognitive strategies to be learned, there
must be a chance to practice developing new solutions to problems; to learn attitudes, the learner
must be exposed to a credible role model or persuasive arguments.

Gagne suggests that learning tasks for intellectual skills can be organized in a hierarchy
according to complexity: stimulus recognition, response generation, procedure following, use of
terminology, discriminations, concept formation, rule application, and problem solving. The
primary significance of the hierarchy is to identify prerequisites that should be completed to
facilitate learning at each level. Prerequisites are identified by doing a task analysis of a
learning/training task. Learning hierarchies provide a basis for the sequencing of instruction.

In addition, the theory outlines nine instructional events and corresponding cognitive processes:

(1) gaining attention (reception); (2) informing learners of the objective (expectancy); (3)
stimulating recall of prior learning (retrieval); (4) presenting the stimulus (selective perception);
(5) providing learning guidance (semantic encoding); (6) eliciting performance (responding);
(7) providing feedback (reinforcement); (8) assessing performance (retrieval); and, (9)
enhancing retention and transfer (generalization).

Student’s Logic

Cumulative Learning, a theory of learning that believes that learning happens in a

hierarchical way wherein there are stages or levels to be followed. A step by step pattern as we
called it and this theory of learning apply this pattern in order to transfer knowledge from a
scaffolder to an individual.

This is a theory of learning that have an idea of the lower level tasks must be mastered
before going to higher level tasks. As we know, lower level tasks requires an individual a not sot
high thinking abilities nor a not so low thinking abilities, an average thinking will do. In other
words, lower level tasks are simple and easy that’s why there is a ‘must’ for an individual to
master it and also, mastering it will help an individual to do higher level tasks.

A theory of learning that is based on the premise that any intellectual skill or task can be
broken down into simpler skills, which can in turn by broken down into even simpler skills, and
so on. Because this theory requires a mastery of lower level tasks and operates in a step by step
pattern, this theory believes that a complex skill or task can be broken down into simpler skill.
For example, playing basketball is a complex task, in order to learn it; it is broken down into
basic skills that include passing, dribbling, and shooting. Shooting that we now consider as a
simple task can be broken down ‘again’ into a simpler task by knowing and learning the basics
of shooting. Another example of this is solving trigonometric problems in Mathematics. These
examples only prove that this theory wants a learner to start with the basic or simple task and
little by little takes several essentials steps in order to accomplish a complex or higher level
tasks.

Educational Implication

I believe that this theory is being used in every school curriculum wherein one should
enter preparatory then Grade I, Grade II, and so on until he/she reaches college level that requires
high thinking abilities.

This theory can also be seen in every teacher wherein they will present first basic
information and will transfer basic knowledge to their students. Then, he/she will do a step by
step pattern until it will come to the point of teaching them complex tasks or skills. A good
example of this is when one is teaching Math, he/she cannot teach Trigonometry to the students
until he/she is not done teaching them Geometry and Algebra; and, he/she cannot teach these two
until he/she is not done teaching them the other fundamentals of Mathematics. If one insists
teaching Trigonometry to the unaware and unready students, there will be no learning that will
happen; confusion will rule the place.
 *Theory of Instruction*

*Bruner’s Scaffolding Theory*

Proponent’s Logic

Bruner (1966) states that a theory of instruction should address four major aspects: (1)
predisposition towards learning, (2) the ways in which a body of knowledge can be structured so
that it can be most readily grasped by the learner, (3) the most effective sequences in which to
present material, and (4) the nature and pacing of rewards and punishments. Good methods for
structuring knowledge should result in simplifying, generating new propositions, and increasing
the manipulation of information. (tip.psychology.org/bruner.html)

Jerome Bruner, researcher in cognitive and educational psychology, coined the term
scaffolding as a description for the kind of assistance given by the teacher or more
knowledgeable peer in providing comprehensible input and moving the learner into the zone of
proximal development.

Scaffolding includes all the things that teachers do already when they predict the kinds of
difficulty that the class or individual students in it will have with a given task. Typical examples
are the activation of background knowledge at the beginning of the lesson or a brief review of
key vocabulary at the end of it. The Writing Process is another prime example of scaffolding.
(esl.fis.edu/teachers/fis/scaffold/page1.htm)

Student’s Logic

Theory of Instruction, a theory of learning that implies a process of discovery to be done

by the students.

Bruner’s Scaffolding Theory, a theory of learning wherein there is an interaction between

adult and the children that enable the child to do something beyond his or her independent effort.

Instructional Scaffolding, I believe that this provision is somewhat like mix of Bruner’s
Theory of instruction and his scaffolding theory wherein students are ought to discover things
with the help of a scaffolder, a teacher or other people around the student. It’s only my opinion
and I can see this clearly inside the classroom, most especially in adult learner’s classroom. A
good example of this is the classes we attend since we enter college. Our teachers or professors
let us to discover things about our subject and then, they will help us in interpreting more deeply
the information or facts we have newly acquired. It’s been effective since it tends us to conduct
researches, study more, and think deeply

Educational Implication

On my explanation earlier, this theory of learning is effective as it is implied inside the

classroom. Students tends to study more most especially when there is a reporting to be done and
the teacher will just guide them as they report the lesson in the front of their classmates. Active
Dialogue will now enter the scene wherein in this way; a teacher is able to engage his/her
students in a meaningful and active discussion about a certain topic.

Considering motivation and reinforcement among students are essential. Teachers must
be able to imply it inside the classroom to promote a harmonious discussion of topics or lessons.
 Problem Solving Theory

Proponent’s Logic
The proponent of this theory is Wolfgang Kohler, a German psychologist.
In the 1920s, many scientists thought that animals could only learn through trial and
error. They thought that when an animal faced a problem, such as finding food, it would stumble
around until it hit upon the right answer by trying different actions until it got lucky. But Kohler
believed that animals, especially chimps, were much smarter than most people imagined. He
believed that chimpanzees were capable of intelligence, and even insight. To test his ideas he did
several experiments.
During his time at the Anthropoid Research Station in the Canary Islands, Köhler
conducted numerous experiments on chimpanzees. He was interested in how chimpanzees were
able to retrieve bananas suspended from the top of their enclosure. He observed them standing on
boxes, and even stacking boxes on top of each other, to get closer to the food.
It has been pointed out, however, that Köhler did not control well for prior experience or
the possibility that the animals imitated each other's behavior. Thus, it is difficult to be sure that
some trial-and-error learning had not occurred before the apparent "insight" giving the solution
to the problem.

Student’s Logic
Problem Solving Theory is a theory of learning that involves mental process and is part
of the larger process that includes problem finding and problem shaping. A mental process for it
requires the mind to work critically in order to solve problems. Problem finding is a mental
process wherein a person tries to find or look for a problem in a certain situations. On the other
hand, problem shaping is a mental process of giving an intelligent guess or hypothesis for a
solution to a problem.
This theory is just saying that people, when solving problem, analyzes first the facts, their
resources, and their belief before doing something in order to come up with proper solution to
the problem. This theory is opposed to Thorndike’s Connectionism theory that conveys a trial-
and-error process or stimulus-response association.
I agree that people analyzes first before they do something. It’s been natural or innate to
us, people; to think first before acting because for sometimes, some of our actions are
irreversible that’s why thinking or analyzing is significant.
Regarding with the learning of animals, the only thing I can say is that various animals
have their own way of thinking that’s why we can’t blame them for somehow if they undergo
through trial-and-error process of learning or problem solving process of learning.

Classroom Implication
Problem Solving Theory can be applied inside the classroom through exposing the
students to different problems, like for example, country’s economic problems or problems that
people encountered most in their life. Exposing is not enough; discussion of solution to a certain
problem is important. In this way, students are able to think critically in order to solve problems.
 Meaningful Learning Theory

Proponent’s Logic
The proponent of this theory is David Ausubel.
David Ausubel is a psychologist who advanced a theory which contrasted meaningful
learning from rote learning. In Ausubel's view, to learn meaningfully, students must relate new
knowledge (concepts and propositions) to what they already know. He proposed the notion of an
advanced organizer as a way to help students link their ideas with new material or concepts.
Ausubel's theory of learning claims that new concepts to be learned can be incorporated into
more inclusive concepts or ideas. These more inclusive concepts or ideas are advance organizers.
Advance organizers can be verbal phrases (the paragraph you are about to read is about Albert
Einstein), or a graphic. In any case, the advance organizer is designed to provide, what cognitive
psychologists call, the "mental scaffolding: to learn new information. (www.csudh.edu)
Meaningful Reception Learning Theory concerned with how students learn large amounts
of meaningful material from verbal/textual presentations in a learning activities Learning is
based on the representational, super ordinate and combinatorial processes that occur during the
reception of information. A primary process in learning is subsumption in which new material is
related to relevant ideas in the existing cognitive structure on a non-verbatim basis (previous
knowledge) Meaningful learning results when new information is acquired by linking the new
information in the learner's own cognitive structure. (www.slideshare.net)

Student’s Logic
Meaningful Learning theory, a theory of learning that let people relate what they have
recently learned to their previous knowledge. This theory also involves the use of schema of
every individual. Also, a theory that believes that a person should be an active learner shouldn’t
be so passive who just takes in information without relating it to other thing he/she had learned
before.
In this theory, application of what you have learned to certain situation or related
activities is important. I believe that if a person is able to apply what he/she had learned, there is
a meaningful learning that happens because that person do something that is more than analyzing
or taking in the new knowledge he/she had acquired. I agree on this theory of learning wherein
rote method is being opposed by this theory.

Classroom Implication
Meaningful learning theory can be applied inside a classroom through deductive learning,
.also, using tools that can utilize our mental skill is a great help for learning to be meaningful.
Using graphic organizer and mnemonic devices are just some of many tools that a teacher can
use to utilize the mind of his/her students.
I also believe that conducting related activities to what students have learned is also a one
way of making learning meaningful. Letting students to have mini role playing, poster making or
slogan making are some of related activities that students can do to apply what they have
learned. Actual application of it, like having community service is also ideal.
 Dual Coding Theory

Proponent’s Logic
The Dual Coding Theory proposed by Allan Paivio attempts to give equal weight to verbal
and non-verbal processing. Paivio (1986) states: "Human cognition is unique in that it has
become specialized for dealing simultaneously with language and with nonverbal objects and
events. Moreover, the language system is peculiar in that it deals directly with linguistic input
and output (in the form of speech or writing) while at the same time serving a symbolic function
with respect to nonverbal objects, events, and behaviors. Any representational theory must
accommodate this dual functionality." (p 53).
The theory assumes that there are two cognitive subsystems, one specialized for the
representation and processing of nonverbal objects/events (i.e., imagery), and the other
specialized for dealing with language. Paivio also postulates two different types of
representational units: "imagens" for mental images and "logogens" for verbal entities which he
describes as being similar to "chunks" as described by Miller. Logogens are organized in terms
of associations and hierarchies while imagens are organized in terms of part-whole relationships.
Dual Coding theory identified three types of processing: (1) representational, the direct
activation of verbal or non-verbal representations, (2) referential, the activation of the verbal
system by the nonverbal system or vice-versa, and (3) associative processing, the activation of
representations within the same verbal or nonverbal system. A given task may require any or all
of the three kinds of processing.
(tip.psychology.org)

Student’s Logic
Dual Coding Theory, a theory of learning that assumes that the human cognition consist of
two subsystems that process knowledge simultaneously, one processing the verbal objects
(verbal subsystem) and one dealing with visual objects (visual subsystem). The verbal subsystem
processes and stores linguistic information; wherein linguistic communicative competence takes
in place. The visual subsystem processes and stores images and pictorial information.
These two subsystems that are different from each other can work together for a better
acquisition of knowledge or information. Like for example, in studying geography, a person can
learn easily and visualize easily what he/she is reading about certain significant places if it is
accompanied by pictures.
Also, these two subsystems when work together can help a person, most especially a child,
to be more focus or attentive to what he/she is studying or reading. Like for example, many
people buy magazines because of the varied information they get and they are attracted to those
colorful pictures attached to the magazines that are related to the articles they are reading. People
also tend to remember more a certain information or things if it is accompanied by symbols or
pictures. Like for example, when reviewing, I sometimes relate certain topic to a symbol or
pictures; we have our topic about classical conditioning, I relates it to a dog because of the dog
used by Pavlov, and then, when it is about operant conditioning, I relates it to the rat because of
the rat inside the Skinner’s Box.

Educational Implication
Dual Coding Theory is said to be successful in children’s learning because children are not
that capable of focusing there whole attention to what is important. Children tend to focus their
attention to what is attractive even though it is not important that’s why when inside the
classroom, teacher must be able to show various pictures that are related to the topic he/she is
teaching so that children can focus their attention and learn more easily.
It is also said that reading materials with images or pictures enhances reading
comprehension and vocabulary learning that’s why we can clearly see that the academic books
used by children have so many images or pictures.
 Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory

Proponent’s Logic
Lev Vygotsky’ socio-cultural theory is widely cited by educators even today, as they
formulate plans on how to get the most from students, challenging them to reach their highest
potential. Vygoysky's belief that social interaction leads not only to increased levels of
knowledge, but that it actually changes a child's thoughts and behaviors. Since it is the goal of
parents and educators alike to help children become high achievers, taking a look at the work of
Vygotsky and examining his conclusions seems wise.
The belief that social exposure to various cultures expands a child's pool of knowledge
seems reasonable. The more experiences that a child has, the richer their world becomes.
Developmental advancements, dependent upon the people and the cultural tools provided to the
child, will help him to form his perceptions of the world. Vygotsky's theory suggests that there
are three ways in which learning is passed along to an individual. Imitative learning is the first,
where the child simply copies another person. Second is instructed learning, where a child recalls
direction given by a teacher and then puts it into play, and the third is collaborative learning.
Collaborative learning happens when a peer group cooperates to learn or achieve a specific goal
while working to understand one another.

Student’s Logic
Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory, is a theory of learning that tackles about what he
called as Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This “zone” is the area of exploration for which
the student is cognitively prepared, but requires help and social interaction to fully develop. This
help will come from the ‘scaffolder/s’ that’s why family, peers, relatives, neighbors, and teachers
are essential in the mental development of the children.
Social interaction is important and as well as the culture. Without social interaction,
there would be no communication after all and without communication between the scaffolders
and the child, then, there would be no learning and cognitive or mental development for the
child. Culture is important in such way that it serves as the standards or norms in the mental or
cognitive development of the child. Like for example, if the child grows in a family wherein
there is always fights or quarrels, then, there is a big possibility that the child will be bully to
his/her classmates and thus, will affect his/her learning. People around the child should make
sure that they show and teach what is good so that cognitive development of the child will be
better as he/she grows.

Educational Implication
Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory can be applied inside the classroom through proper
assistance and encouragements of the teacher. The teacher, as we know when inside the
classroom is the scaffolder that will help students to do certain things and also have involvement
in the development of the students that’s why teacher must be a good model to his/her students
and must know what to do in order to guide the students.
A friend, a seatmate, or a classmate can also be a scaffolder in such way that both
students help each other to fill up the gap in acquiring knowledge. This peer teaching is widely
used because some students tend to be more open with his/her weakness to his/her classmate and
also, this is done to promote social interaction. Not only that, this method helps the one who is
assigned to teach his/her classmate/s to be more competent and also, this can help one who is a
slow learner to catch up easily with the lessons.
With the things mentioned above, this will effectively assess the child’s Zone of
Proximal Development, and help to transform the classroom with Vygostkian ideas.
 CLASSICAL CONDITIONING
Proponent’s Logic
Classical Conditioning was accidentally discovered by Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, a Russian
physiologist. According to him, this type of learning involves what they call stimulus and response wherein he
indicated that if there’s a stimulus, then, there’s always a certain response to it.
The proponent came up in to this theory accidentally when he was doing a research on the
digestion patterns of dogs. Then, he noticed during the experiment, a stimulus and a response was happening
whenever a meat powder was shown to the dog, it began to salivate. Afterwards, he began pairing it with bell
that every time a meat powder is to be shown, he will ring the bell. This phenomenon rise into what he called
conditioned stimulus (in the experiment, it’s the bell) and conditioned response (in the experiment, it’s the
salivation of the dog to the bell). Also, there is what he called unconditioned stimulus and unconditioned
response; these are the two variables that resulted naturally.

Student’s Logic
Classical Conditioning, a type of learning that needs reinforcement in order to know the result.
On my own understanding, it also means that for every stimulus, there’s equivalent response/s to it.
For somehow, I agree in this theory of learning because it is true that as people learn, most
especially the children, they need reinforcement or somewhat-like motivation in order to result to an effective
learning. The only problem in this theory, I think, is that for every individual there is varied response on how
they would react to the stimulus presented by a teacher; the response/s may be negative or positive. For me,
perception is also a factor to consider in this theory because it’s important how a person would perceive this
stimulus presented by a teacher; if a particular person perceives the stimulus positively, then, it will resulted to a
good response but if not, it will resulted to a bad response.

Educational Implication
Classical Conditioning is a theory of learning so it is applied to a classroom setting wherein the
teacher presents stimulus, accidentally or incidentally, and the children or rather the students will surely
response to it based on their perception. A good example of this one is giving encouragements to the students,
as a response, students will have the courage to participate in a recitation or will have the courage to study hard.
Another example of this is the strictness of the teacher and the use of disciplines inside the
classroom. In this case, there would be varied responses from the students: they may study hard as a positive
response; and, be afraid to enter their class with that strict teacher, or be afraid to go to school as negative
responses. To avoid negative responses, a teacher must be flexible and sensitive to his/her students. Students are
unique so they response variedly on different stimuli they perceive.
 OPERANT CONDITIONING

Proponent’s Logic

Operant Conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is a method of learning

that occurs through rewards and punishments for various behaviors. This method or we can
already say ‘theory’ of learning was coined by B.F. Skinner. This theory has significant
processes which are: reinforcement, punishment, and extinction.

Skinner described reinforcement as presentation of any event that strengthens or

increases the behavior it follows while punishment is the exact opposite of it that weakens or
decreases the behavior. These two have both negative and positive sides that are based on the
addition or removal of favorable or unfavorable events. Meanwhile, extinction is the
reinforcement results in the weakening of the behavior.

Student’s Logic

Operant Conditioning, a theory that involves rewards and consequences or punishments

given or can possibly happens automatically as according to our behavior.
For somehow, I agree on this theory because it is true that through rewards and
punishments, the behavior of students towards learning can be possibly controlled but then there
is this in my mind, as a result of reading an article in the internet about punishments, that some
people (most especially those who have low self-esteem) views punishments as threats. Also, we
shouldn’t deny the fact that there are times we can’t avoid being punished by others or by our
own conscience. This fact behind punishment makes me disagree in this theory of learning
because others, including me for somehow, practices on what they called ‘self-punishment’. As a
result of excessive self-punishment, people who are used to this method may experience apathy,
boredom, depression, addiction to drugs and alcohol, television fantasies and the worst, suicide.
Because people do something they think that is wrong, they punish their own selves thus
resulting to the things I mentioned earlier. Some people, whom we used to call ‘emo’ nowadays,
practice excessive self-punishments. Well, these are only my beliefs in this theory. All I can say
is that it has good and bad side.

Educational Implication
Operant Conditioning as a theory of learning can be applied inside the classroom through
the use of rewards and punishments. Yes, punishments; it may sound ironic as I disagree on this
matter lately but takes this as one of why I agree on this for somehow. I believe that light
punishments should be given so that students may realize how important it is to study and to
become obedient. Of course, giving rewards is advisable when handling children but not so
advisable when it comes to teenagers because some teenagers, nowadays, are hard to please; for
sometimes, some teenagers don’t even care for the reward. Giving positive reinforcement may
do to all ages so it is the most advisable thing a teacher can do in applying this theory inside the
classroom.
 CONNECTIONISM

Proponent’s Logic
Connectionism is a learning theory which states that learning is the result of associations
forming between stimuli and responses; these associations are weakened or strengthened by the
nature and frequency of stimulus-response (S-R) pairing. This theory that was proposed by
Edward Lee Thorndike was also called Trial and Error learning theory. It is termed as
‘connectionism’ because of Thorndike’s idea about the bonds between stimulus and response.
This learning theory is also famous of the puzzle box experiment done by the proponent
wherein a cat was inside the wooden puzzle box and a fish was placed far from the front door of
the puzzle box. The cat inside the box had done anything just to try to escape from the box. After
trying many times how to escape, it pressed the lever (S) inside the box and opened the door (R)
finally; the fish at the front door served as the reward of the cat. In this experiment, trial and
error learning was shown as the cat tries and does anything to escape.
In strengthening/weakening the connection between stimulus and response, Thorndike
came up to the three primary laws of learning: (1) law of readiness – a series of S-R connections
can be chained together if they belong to the same action sequence; (2) law of exercise –
connections become strengthened with practices and weakened when practice is discontinued;
and, (3) law of effect – responses to a situation which are followed by a rewarding state of affairs
will be strengthened and become habitual responses to that situation.

Student’s Logic
Connectionism, a theory of learning that involves bonds or connections between the
stimulus and the response. A theory of learning that somewhat depends upon the readiness of a
child.
I agree on this theory of learning most especially on the part wherein the three primary
laws of learning affect the bond between stimulus and response. If we think of it deeply, it is true
that learning would not be that successful if these three primary laws of learning are not applied.
Also, if one of these three laws is ignored, learning would be surely interrupted that’s why in the
application of this theory of learning, the teacher should be aware and assured that the three laws
of learning flow rightly inside the classroom.

Educational Implication
Connectionism, as theory of learning, can be best applied inside the classroom if we
consider the three primary laws of learning as the framework of teaching strategy.
Putting the law of readiness into consideration is important so that it wouldn’t be hard for
the students to understand what the teacher is teaching to them. Regarding with this law,
knowing the capacities of students to learn is essential. The law of exercise is best applied when
a teacher gives home works, seat works, written/oral examinations and other related activities to
his/her students. The law of effect can be put into action as the teacher gives encouragements
praises, and deserving high scores/grades to his/her students.
 SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Proponent’s Logic

Social Learning theory, a theory of learning that was proposed By Albert Bandura. This
theory is also known as “Observational Learning” (Modeling) or “Social Cognitive Learning
Theory”.

Bandura believed that direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning.
His theory added a social element, arguing that people can learn new information and behaviors
by watching other people.

In Bandura’s famous “Bobo doll” studies, he demonstrated that children learn and imitate
behaviors they have observed in other people. In this experiment, he let children to watch a
movie where in that movie, some adult were acting violently toward a bobo doll. Bandura later
allowed the children to play in a room with the bobo doll and the children, when they saw the
bobo doll; they acted violently toward it as what they saw in the movie.

Also, this theory has what they called “modeling process” that includes five steps: (1)
attention – a person must be able to pay attention to the model; (2) retention – a person must be
able to store information based on what he/she observed to his/her chosen model; (3) motor
reproduction – a person must be able to actually perform the action or behavior he/she had
observed; (4) motivation – a person must be able to know the purpose of imitating that certain
behavior; and, (5) self management – a person must be able to control his/her self in order to do
well the behavior he/she is imitating.

Student’s Logic

Social Learning Theory is a theory of learning that involves critical observation of others
and we prefer them as model. A theory of learning that can occur without a change in behavior.
A theory wherein cognition plays an important role in learning. A theory that can be considered a
bridge or a transition between behaviors.

I agree on this theory of learning because I also think that people, most especially
children, learn as they watched certain model. Example of this is when we watched TV, because
it easily catches up our attention, we are able to learn new information even though there is no
change in our behavior.

I also think that this theory is effective since the modeling process can possibly teaches
new behaviors, influences the frequency of previously learned behaviors, and increases the
frequency of similar behavior.

Classroom Implication

I think Social Learning Theory will be effective when implied inside the classroom.
Letting the students to watch she educational video tapes or cds is advisable because it easily
catch attention and the students learn more as they enjoy watching. Describing the consequences
of certain behaviors helps students to know if the behavior they want to imitate will benefit them
or not. Exposing students to variety of models is essential in order to break down traditional
stereotypes.

As a conclusion, this theory of learning is effective and it is widely advice to implement

inside the classroom by Albert Bandura.
 FIELD THEORY

Proponent’s Logic

Field Theory of Learning was proposed by Kurt Lewin, a German-American

psychologist, one of the modern pioneers of social, organizational, and applied psychology.
Lewin, as a neo-gestaltist, transferred the Gestalt model to everyday situations. He was greatly
influenced by Einstein and applied the idea of Einsteinian field physics to psychology. He
proposed that human behavior is a function of both the person and the environment in which the
behavior takes place, including the social parameters. He postulated that needs organize
perception of the field and acting within the field. He understood a dynamic interaction of
elements in the field. He believed behavior was purposeful and visualized the individual as
existing in a field of forces which included +valence forces which attract people, and -valence
forces which repel people. The blending of these fields produced and approach/avoidance
dynamic. According to Lewin's theory, learning is essential to coping with these opposing force
fields. Changes in valences and values are important to the learner's ability to deal with ongoing
situations. Lewin also believed that a holistic investigation of human behavior and learning must
include the environment in which the learning is taking place, including the psychological
environment of the learner and others with whom he interacts.

Lewin’s field theory leads to field research on human behavior. Lewin believed that it
was possible to study social and psychological phenomena experimentally; as a result he
conducted experiments in natural settings where he manipulated complex situational variables
and observed the effects. This approach has been used widely in education as "action research"
and has had a large impact on modern research.

Student’s Logic

Based on what I’ve understand about this theory, Field theory talks about the behavior as
a result of the individual traits and the environment. I think the ‘field’ that the proponent was
saying is about the facts which a person’s behaviors depends on. As according to the proponent,
behavior of a person depends on the environment (includes the people who surrounds him/her)
and his/her traits. Individuals were seen to behave differently according to the way in which
tensions between perceptions of the self and of the environment were worked through.

Then, there is this life space that the proponent is talking about. ‘Life space’ is the present
condition or place where a person used to live. Here, a person acts according to his/her
personality or traits and environment. The significance of this is that it had to be viewed to
understand the behavior of a certain person.

Behavior depends on present field, neither in past nor in future. I agree on this statement
because I believe for somehow that people behave based on what happening on the present
times. Even though some people can’t stop reminiscing the past, still, they behave on present
field and just goes with the flow of life. All people have dreams for their future, but then, we all
don’t know what comes ahead not until we do something now. Dreams will serve as goals and no
one knows when this will come true that’s why our behavior on present times is very essential.
Classroom Implication

How this theory would be applied inside the classroom? Based on what I’ve understand,
Field Theory can be applied inside the classroom through knowing the knowledge (they called it
as schema) of your students based on the subject that will be discuss. This can help a teacher to
know where he/she will focus less or much in discussing the lesson. Like for example, if most of
the student already knew about the history of computer, then, the teacher can focus less on this
topic by just giving a review and additional information.

I think knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each student is also important. If some
students are better in oral, then, a teacher must be able to have oral exams or recitation in his/her
class. Then, for some students who are good in written, he/she must also give written exams and
paperwork.

Developing group interaction is also advisable to enable students to cooperate with each
other. This will develop their social skill and their behaviors towards other people.
 Information Processing: Atkinson-Shiffrin Memory Model

Proponents’ Logic

In 1968 Atkinson and Shiffrin proposed a model of human memory which posited two
distinct memory stores: short-term memory, and long-term memory. Later a third memory store
(actually the first in sequence) was added: sensory memory.

Sensory memory contains information received immediately from a person's senses into
the human brain. It is affiliated with the transduction of energy (change from one energy to
another). Short-term memory is sometimes called working memory (although recent research
has demonstrated these are two separate issues) and relates to what we are thinking about at any
given moment in time as well as what we have attended to in the recent past. In general
information in working memory is the information you are conscious of and can work with. It is
created by our paying attention to an external stimulus, an internal thought, or both. It will
initially last somewhere around 15-30 seconds unless it is repeated (called maintenance or rote
rehearsal), at which point it may be available for up to 20 minutes.

Long-term memory is the relatively permanent memory store in which you hold information
even when you are no longer attending to it. Storing information in LTM is equivalent to a
computer writing information out to its hard drive, or to a tape recorder writing patterns of
magnetization onto tape to record music. The recording process is called storage and the
"playback" process, retrieval.

Student’s Logic

This is a theory of learning that deals with memory. There’s nothing I can do but to agree
about this matter since there is nothing to argue about. I am just thinking about that maybe
Atkinson and Shiffrin just wanted to tell something about memory and the information
processing; they have no intention to disagree to the others’ theory of learning. It is something
like that they share some information that I believe is true. There’s nothing to argue about.
People learn and of course, there is information processing that takes place. Just try to think of it,
how people could learn if they don’t take information from their environment? Information
processing is important and I believe that it is a natural process for a person to undergo in this
process.

Classroom Implication

Since, there is what they called sensory memory, for somehow; it is advisable to have
repetition on what a teacher is discussing about or to just directly point out important information
so that it will go to short term memory and if possible, it may go to long term memory. Also, it is
advisable to a teacher to present information in an organized manner.

A teacher must be able to apply certain techniques used in teaching/learning processes

and these are: imaging, method of loci, pegword method, rhyming, using acronym, etc. a teacher
must choose which is best for his/her students to keep in mind the lesson for the day.
 METACOGNITION THEORY

Proponent’s Logic

In his 1976 article, John Flavell recognized that metacognition consisted of both
monitoring and regulation aspects. It was here that the term metacognition was first formally
used in the title of his paper. He defined metacognition as follows: "In any kind of cognitive
transaction with the human or non-human environment, a variety of information processing
activities may go on. Metacognition refers, among other things, to the active monitoring and
consequent regulation and orchestration of these processes in relation to the cognitive objects or
data on which they bear, usually in service of some concrete goal or objective." (p.232). Hacker
(1998) offered a more comprehensive definition of metacognition, to include the knowledge of
one's own cognitive and affective processes and states as well as the ability to consciously and
deliberately monitor and regulate those processes and states.

Flavell (1976) also identified three “metas” that children gradually acquire in the context
of information storage and retrieval. These were: (a) The child learns to identify situations in
which intentional, conscious storage of certain information may be useful at some time in the
future; (b) the child learns to keep current any information which may be related to active
problem-solving, and have it ready to retrieve as needed; and (c) the child learns how to make
deliberate systematic searches for information which may be helpful in solving a problem, even
when the need for it has not been foreseen.

Student’s Logic

Metacognition Theory, a theory of learning that refers to a level of thinking that involves
active control over the process of thinking that is used in learning strategies. A theory of learning
that talks about evaluating our thinking process. Based on my understanding, this theory is about
how we think in order to solve certain problems that we encounter. It also includes how or what
effective strategies we choose in order learn successfully.

Under metacognition theory are the other mental processes: emotion, memory,
perception, motivation, and reasoning. This mental process displays an evaluation of our
thinking process. Like for example in emotion, we feel sad or happy based on the information or
facts we had obtain from our environment.

I believe for somehow that this theory requires a higher thinking skill because this theory
requires a person for somehow to think beyond the materials and information given to him/her in
order to solve a certain problem or in order to learn effectively. I also think that this theory
require a person to sharpen and use meaningfully what knowledge he/she had acquired.

Educational Implication

Metacognition Theory, as a theory of learning can be implied inside the classroom by

having activities that will enhance the intellectual aspect of a person. Letting a person to answer
the question, ‘”why he/she came to certain answers or actions?” will surely help a person to
enhance his/her mind in metacognition.

When I was in high school, I remember the activity that we had done in our Religion
class. Our Religion teacher instructed us to draw a poster about the topic we had recently
finished. Then, after that, he let all of us to talk in front of the class and explain why we came up
to such poster. I think this one that we had done is an example of activities we can do in order to
imply this theory.
 SCHEMATA THEORY

Proponent’s Logic

Schema theory was developed by R. C. Anderson, a respected educational psychologist.

This learning theory views organized knowledge as an elaborate network of abstract mental
structures which represent one understanding of the world.

The term schema was first used by Piaget in 1926, so it was not an entirely new concept.
Anderson, however, expanded the meaning.

Schemata are always organized meaningfully, can be added to, and, as an individual
gains experience, develop to include more variables and more specificity. Each schema is
embedded in other schemata and itself contains subschema. It changes moment by moment as
information is received. They may also be reorganized when incoming data reveals a need to
restructure the concept. The mental representations used during perception and comprehension,
and which evolve as a result of these processes, combine to form a whole which is greater than
the sum of its parts.

Student’s Logic

Schemata Theory, a theory of learning that involves the use of previous knowledge in
order to relate it to the new knowledge or to use it in certain situations. This new knowledge can
either replace or can improve your previous knowledge. It is also say that when the new
information or knowledge is interconnected to the previous one, the tendency is it can be easily
remembered. In this theory, there is also what we called ‘assimilation’ wherein it involves the
reuse of schema to fit the new information.

This theory is often use by the adult learners rather by the children because the adult are
more aware of their previous knowledge than the children who tends to forget what they had
learned in the past school year. But then, the situation that the children are involve to in
forgetting the previous lesson is seriously supervise by the teachers wherein they always have a
recap of the topic and then, after recapping, they will relate it to the new topic.

I strongly believe that the use of schema is very essential most especially today that we
shouldn’t be always contented of what we already know. There should be always a progress or a
transformation of knowledge because if no changes happen, then, we would be stuck up in one
place and cannot move even a little in order to success.

Educational Implication

Like what I’ve written recently, schemata theory is implied inside the classroom through
recapping of the previous topic and relating it to the new one. Like for example in a History
class, when we were in our elementary days, we used to know that Jose Rizal is our national hero
and he had two novels: “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”. These knowledge or
information about Rizal can be later use and can be later refine as years passes by until we enter
college that we would have a ‘Rizal subject’ that will tackles more about the life and works of
Rizal. Of course, in this example, schema is important in such way that if you don’t have it, then,
it wouldn’t be easy for a person to learn facts about Rizal. Also, schema is important in math
subjects because if you don’t have it and you will never ever understand the higher math that
includes calculus, trigonometry, and many more that comprise math as a complicated subject that
requires a high thinking ability.

In over all of what I’ve written, schema is use in all subjects. The importance of this is
clearly seen that’s why the implication of this is widely seen also.
 Constructivism Theory

Proponent’s Logic

Constructivism is a psychological theory of knowledge (epistemology) which argues

that humans generate knowledge and meaning from their experiences. Constructivism is not a
specific pedagogy, although it is often confused with constructionism, an educational theory
developed by Seymour Papert. Piaget's theory of constructivist learning has had wide ranging
impact on learning theories and teaching methods in education and is an underlying theme of
many education reform movements. Research support for constructivist teaching techniques has
been mixed, with some research supporting these techniques and other research contradicting
those results.

Instruction is under the theory of constructivism, educators focus on making connections

between facts and fostering new understanding in students. Instructors tailor their teaching
strategies to student responses and encourage students to analyze, interpret, and predict
information. Teachers also rely heavily on open-ended questions and promote extensive dialogue
among students.

Student’s Logic

Constructivism Theory, not only a learning theory but becomes almost a philosophical
thought that is widely accepted. Also, this theory is somewhat like a modern theory that
combines the other learning theory altogether made by other constructivists like David Ausubel,
Jerome Bruner, and etc.

In this theory of learning, a student is responsible for his/her own learning. There is a
process of discovery or exploration wherein students have to find/look for it on various reference
materials and work for it independently. The instructor or facilitator here only becomes a guide
in the wide understanding of the lesson. A good example of this is used by some of our college
professors in teaching us our lessons, some of them give the topics we will discuss for the whole
semester/quarter or they assign topics for reporting and, they let us go by our own to know what
it is and where it is. Then, inside the classroom, our professors let each one of us to explain in
our own words about what we had discovered or searched about the topic and our professors
explain further more and give more examples.

This theory is applicable and effective to adult learners because it will enhance their
sense of responsibility as learners who are now becoming independent and also, it enhances our
self-discovery of many other things we need to know.

Educational Implication

I’ve already gave an example earlier how some of our professors apply Constructivism
Theory but not only that in that way professors/teachers can apply this by letting students to
explore on their own. A teacher can also apply this through encouraging critical thinking,
inquiry, students’ autonomy, and communication among the students.
 Asking follow-up questions and elaboration in such way that it helps students to think
critically and enhances their metacognition about things to learn. A teacher also needs patience
in waiting for students to think about the questions so they can answer it correctly or
approximately as what teacher expects to them to answer.

PROF. ED. 03 – Theories of Learning

Submitted by:

Rocillo, Michelle G.

Submitted to:

Sir Bert Tuga