Assignment 2

Q1) State the essence of each theory in terms of

• key assumptions on learners,
• key assumptions on learning,
  
• a representation of the process of learning.

The theory of Behaviorism states that learning takes place through the change in behavior, which is in turn shaped by the environment through conditioning.Learners will learn to acquire new behaviors through the concept of rewards and punishment.Hence in the learning process, a learner's behavior is shaped according to the desired outcomes.

The theory of Cognitivism states that learners take lead over the learning process.In other words, the learners are actively organizing and processing information in their environments. They are keen to learn what is going around them and prior knowledge is an essential part in the process of learning. For example, an individual learner needs to know what is going on in the particular environment, makes sense of it and develops possible apprioprate solutions.

The theory of Socioculturalism is a concept that is akin to the system theory, where a process does not just involve a single subsystems, but also different units coming together. In the context of learning, it does not just involve the mental processes that are occuring inside the mind of an individual, but it also involves the tools that are available to an individual in the environment that can be utilized.One example of a tool is interpersonal relationships. In order to accomplish tasks such as learning, people have to interact with others(usually with the aid of learning materials)

Q2) Critique the theory's usefulness to different types of problems.

There is no single theory that is perfect for all situations and problems.Different theories work for different kinds of problems.

Behaviorism learning approach is ideal for solving puzzle and algorithms problems.For example, junior college students are often seeing practising their ten-year series books in preparation for examinations.These books provide the solutions to questions and problems. When they got the questions wrong,they refer to the solutions and re-attempt the questions till they grasp the concepts.Students are also conditioned to score well through the examination grade system.

Cognitivism learning apporach is ideal for solving trouble-shooting and diagnosis solution problems.For example,when the computer screen displays an error,the user will be keen to find out the root of the problem. Any relevant prior knowledge of error messages and their causes will be of benefit to the user.Empowered with these information,the user will set his sights on coming up with possible solutions and the possible scenarios if any of these solutions is to be applied.

Socioculturalism learning approach is ideal for issued based and design problems.As such problems usually encompass a wide scope of factors,an individual's point of view might be too narrow.Through teamwork and group brainstorming,an individual has access to the valuable abilities(tools)of others,which can assist in solving the problems at hand.This is when interpersonal relations with the people around him come into play.

Q3) Comment on theory's usefulness for the development of 21st century skills.

From my point of view, 21st century skills include creative and innovative thinking skills, hands-on learning(a shift from classroom based learning) and team project work. These skills can be picked up in today's environment,especially in NUS where its mission is to nurture thinking individuals who are alive to opportunities to make a difference, and global citizens effective in diverse settings.It is done so through the broad-based curriculum supported by multi-disciplinary courses, cross faculty enrichment and special programmes.

As such,NUS's education curriculum involves all 3 theories of learning in the following aspects:

For NUS undergraduates to do well in a module,the department sets assessment criteria for students which usually involves team project work, mid term examinations, tutorials, tutorial participation marks, attendance marks and assignments.

For example,CNM students taking Media Writing module NM2220 are constantly reminded of the harsh reality in the media room,where articles need to be submitted on time for publication. One second late and an individual's article would not be published.As such,as CNM students, we are conditioned to submit our assignments on time.Students who submit late are therefore punished by having marks deducted or denied of A gradings.This is in line with the approach of Behaviorism.

Using the Media Writing Module NM2220 as an example again,students are taught the basic concepts of writing for various kinds of articles such as news story and press releases.One assignment to students requires us to be independent and come up with a press release based on a given real life scenario.Students are only equipped with the lecturer's slides and textbook, and guidance from tutors.The rest is up to us to research and come up with the possible solutions. This is in line with the approach of Cognitivism.

For the team project for NM2220,we had to come up with an online newsletter for a health organization.We were required to come up with five individual articles to be posted on a team's designed online newsletter.An individual would find problems editing and correcting his or her own work,hence we are required to correct each other's article and contribute to the design of the newsletter.Hence this is in line with the approach of Socioculturalism.

I have read Ridza, Eileen and Shifa's blogs.