Name: Kubayi K.E.

Student Number: 920416242

ASSIGNMENT 1A
Create a mind map in which you map understanding of the
tree main theories of learning.

Behaviourist approach:

Behaviourists regard all behaviour as a response to a stimulus.

They assume that what we do is determined by the environment
we are in, which provides stimuli to which we respond, and the
environments we have been in the past, which caused us to learn to
respond to stimuli in particular ways. Behaviourists are unique
amongst psychologists in believing that it is unnecessary focus on the
learner but the focus should be on the teacher.

Cognitivist: is a comprehensive
theory about the nature and
development of human intelligence first
developed by Jean Piaget and is
primarily known as a developmental
The mind map:
stage theory but in fact, it deals with
The tree main
the nature of knowledge itself and how
theories of
humans come gradually to acquire it,
learning. construct it, and use it. Piaget claims
the idea that cognitive development is
at the centre of human organism and
language is contingent on cognitive
development. Below, there is first a
short description of Piaget's views
about the nature of intelligences
Constructivism: is a theory of knowledge that 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 Paper, inspired by
constructivist and experiential learning ideas of Jean Piaget research
supporting these techniques and other research contradicting those
results. Social constructivism has been criticized for being a kind of
behaviorism, which reduces the individual to his or her social
environment.

1
Question 1A

What do you think about a Constructivist approach to learning? Is it

better than a Behaviourist approach? Why, or why not? Do you think it is
feasible in your context?

Yes. Constructivist approach is better than Behaviourist approach.

Reason being that, Constructivism focuses on preparing the learner to

problem solve in ambiguous situations whereas the Behaviourist
approach focuses on a new behavioural pattern being repeated until
it becomes automatic.
I would say that constructivists’ way of thinking is the best because it is
learner cantered. The learner would make his/her own discovery and
construct meaning.
Would given an activity to complete by finding a solutions on their own.
In this way they would showcase their talents and they will show creative
thinking.
Behaviourist would be in the case where the learner would do activities
based on their behaviours e.g. would be a learner doing a task according
to a norm. Therefore the best would be constructivist approach.
Finally, Constructivists believe that "learners construct their own
reality or at least interpret it based upon their perceptions of
experiences, so an individual's knowledge is a function of one's prior
experiences, mental structures, and beliefs that are used to
interpret objects and events.