Blog Post 1

During my childhood, I often experienced the application of behaviorism in my learning, particularly through my interactions with my parents. I vividly remember instances where they utilized a behaviorist approach to teach me various skills, such as tying my shoelaces. They would begin by demonstrating the process, using both visual and verbal cues to guide me. Then, they would encourage me to try it myself while offering prompts and guidance whenever necessary. Whenever I successfully managed to tie my shoes, my parents would provide positive reinforcement in the form of praise or even the enticing promise of a treat like ice cream. As I continued to practice and receive reinforcement, the act of tying my shoelaces gradually became more natural and independent for me. 

Cognitive learning is widely utilized in teaching, and I personally experienced its effectiveness during the last semester in my calculus course. Our instructor employed a cognitive approach by initially explaining the step-by-step process, providing numerous examples, and utilizing visual aids when applicable like in the graphing section. Actively engaging in the learning process, I attentively listened, took notes, and sought clarification through questioning if I did not understand. The assigned homework assignments further reinforced the newly acquired knowledge and allowed us to tackle increasingly challenging problems, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the subject matter on our own. With consistent practice and feedback, I gradually internalized the problem-solving method, leading to an enhanced ability to independently solve complex equations using the specific approach taught in class. 

In my current Gender Studies class, the professor adopts a strong constructivist approach to teaching. From the outset of the course, they emphasized building a solid foundation by encouraging us to draw upon our prior knowledge and personal experiences related to the subject. In this class we have freedom to choose our assignments. We are given the autonomy to select topics of interest and explore them through open-ended questions, allowing us to delve deeper into areas that resonate with us individually. A key aspect of our learning experience is the active exchange of ideas and interpretations among students. This dynamic fosters debates where we collaboratively examine and appreciate diverse viewpoints. Through this process, we not only deepen our understanding of the subject matter but also enhance our ability to integrate different perspectives, leading to a more comprehensive comprehension of the material. The classroom discussions and collaborative problem-solving activities extend beyond the confines of the course material, demonstrating the real-world relevance of our learning.