Psychological Foundations Application Question - Week 6

The first theory I will use is B. F. Skinner’s Behavioral Learning Theory which states that, “learning can be understood, explained, and predicted entirely on the basis of observable events, namely, the behavior of the learner along with its environmental antecedents and consequences” (p. 36).  As a teacher, I would first do a pre-assessment to determine what they already know.  Because I teach older student, it is always essential to first figure out what they already know in order not to teach them something they already know and waste precious time.  Based on that assessment, I would simply teach my students through lecture and demonstration how to figure out the price per ounce of different brands of a particular item.  Then I would give a worksheet containing several different problems to reinforce what was just taught.  After working on the problems independently, I would ask for volunteers to share their answers and give instant feedback whether their answer was right or wrong. 

The second theory I will use is the “Cognitive Information Processing” theory that “regards the environment as playing an important role in learning” (p. 37).  Using the same assignment of figuring out the price per ounce of different brands of a particular item, I would create more of a sensory environment.  I would set up a mock shelf of grocery items and have them use their calculators in order to figure out the problems on a worksheet.  They could work collaboratively to figure the problems out, talking and “shopping” together.  I would observe whether or not they were all able to figure out the problems by listening to their discussions as well as looking at their worksheet. 

The final theory I will use is the “Constructivism” theory.  In this assignment I would have students create their own scenario or mock grocery shelf to have the other students figure out the price per ounce of a particular item among different brands.  They would have to create a worksheet for their peers to figure out.  This way, they are learning while they are creating.