Assignment+3+Reflection,+Comparison,+Contrast+Behavioural+Learning+Vs+Constructivism+Theory+in+Social+Studies+Instruction

Assignment #3: Reflection, comparison, contrast  Behavioural Learning versus the Constructivist Theory in Social Studies Instruction A .D. Arthurs University of Belize Social Studies Methods and Methods for Primary School Teachers ESOC2152 Section 1  Mr. Kevin G. Tucker (Teacher) February 21st, 2012

**Abstract ** In this paper Behavioural Learning theory and the Constructivist theory style of teaching Social Studies are compared and contrasted reflective essay. This essay seeks to inform the reader about similarities and differences that exist between the instructional base of the behavioural learning theory and the Constructivist theory in the presentation of the Social Studies subject. Social studies for the elementary and middle grades: a constructivist approach is the book that is made referenced to in this essay, mainly chapter 1 & 2. This text book was jointly written by E.C. Sunal and M. E. Hass in 2008. **__Behavioral Learning versus the Constructivist Theory in Social Studies Instruction __**  Over the years instruction has been passed on in different fashion, like stories from elders to the younger generation. However, as the time passed instruction was institutionalize and took on a certain form of structure and organization that was delivered by instructors to their pupils in a fixed building. Behavioural Learning Theory is a form of instruction that is widely used in the education world, but constructivist theory is the rising form of instruction that is slowly taking over the classroom. In comparing and contrasting these two theories it will be possible to distinguish them.  Sunal and Hass, authors of the Social studies for the elementary and middle grades, stated that in the behavorial theory form of instruction, student were not taught to think independently but depended on the instructor and text books for all content and concepts. Therefore in the behavioural setting teachers are focused on. On the other hand the Constructivist theory form of instruction, seeks to involve the students as much as possible in learning new concepts and content by building on their previous knowledge and experiences by introducing them to new experiences. Social Studies ideas are introduce in the constructivist theory that are connected with new experiences. Hence in the constructivist theory the students undergo a certain type of discovery approach that enables them to figure out concepts and apply the new concept. However, unlike Behavioural theory that uses lectures, memorization and chalk and board instruction, Constructivist theory likens to a philosophical approach. Sunal and Hass said this form of approach is not structured like a cookbook that can be followed. This is not to say that a goal is not followed but the aim is that individuals develop not only concept and recall facts and details but that their level of critical thinking skills and mindset towards social studies would change to one that takes on the issues of the environment with well thought out initiatives. In the behavioural theory the drive was for student to get specific content to pass certain examination. Hence, delivery of material was in a step by step format that provided most if not all the answers to the children. Constructivist theory, however, teachers act like a director who motivates and incite students by allowing their curiosity to drive them. In the Constructivist theory the answers, therefore are not supplied and when they do come up with their answer they must be able to support it. In the constructivist theory the children take ownership of learning by exploring concepts on their own while in the behavioural theory the students just accept the concepts that are given to them. Behavioural approach think of the students as totally uniformed individuals who do not have any capacity to learn on their own and therefore the approach is that the information must be pumped into the minds of the students.  Both theories give students the content that is needed but in the behavioural theory student would not challenge wrong concepts that are given. However, in the constructivist approach since children are exploring ideas wrong concepts can be learnt and if the teacher is not alert, unlearning information that have become fixed in the minds of students can be very challenging. It would seem that individuals who follow the constructivist theory must be very skilled and have a very wide information base that they can tap into. With behavioural theory since there is not a lot of probing and questions from the students which occur in the other theory, a teacher can be less versatile than a constructivist theory.  The constructivist theory have a specific format that is followed that is called the Phases of a Learning Cycle Lesson. In this cycle there a concepts or content is delivered in stages namely the Exploratory Introduction, Lesson Development, Expansion and Lesson Summary. In this setup the children are the centre of their learning and the teacher acts mostly as the coordinator. In the Learning cycle the Lesson Development most similar to the Behavioural approach yet in this constructivist approach teacher input is more in clarification and explanation, hence the in this state the focus is still student centered, since clarification and explanation do not necessary means lecture. The teacher centeredness is not dwelt on in the constructivism approach, whilst the behavioural approach all the actions and productions of the teacher is the driving force.  Constructivist theory and the Behavioural learning theory are very different approach and the major difference is that for one the focus is on the student and for the other the focus is on the student. Constructivist and Behavioural learning theories major similarity is their goal or intent, both expect that the children will grasp new knowledge even if with the mode of delivery is different and product of the labour varies. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> **Reference**
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sunal, E. C & Hass, M. E. (2008). Social Studies for the elementary and middle grades: a constructivist approach. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.