Behaviorism and cognitivism are two theories of learning that differ in their perspectives. Behaviorism views learning as changes in observable behavior due to environmental experiences, while cognitivism sees it as changes in mental representations and associations from experiences. Both theories emphasize the role of environmental conditions and practice with feedback in facilitating learning, though they differ in areas like the role of errors, exposure, and the learner's level of activity.

1. Behaviorism
vs.
Cognitivism
Theories of Learning
By: Elva V. Gonzalez

2. The foundations of
Behaviorism were built on the
work of Watson and B.F.Skinner,
and
Cognitivism were built on the work
of Vygotsky, Dewey, Piaget and
Bruner.

3. Behaviorism
a theory that it’s perspective
may be defined as a change of
behavior as a result of
experience-that can be
measured.

4. Cognitivism
a theory that it’s
perspective is a change in mental
representations and
associations brought about by
experiences.

5. How Does Learning Occur?
Behavior theories Cognitive theories
 Determine which cues elicit the  Focus on the mental activities of
desired responses. the learner.
 Arrange practice situations so  Acknowledge the processes of the
they will prompt elicit responses mental planning, goal-setting, and
in a “natural” setting. organizational strategies.
 Arrange environmental  Stress over efficient processing
conditions to enhance stimuli. strategies.
 Focus on the design of the  Make use of feedback (knowledge
environment to optimize of feedback) to guide and support
learning. accurate mental connections.
 Use feedback (reinforcement) to
modify behavior in the desired
direction.

6. Behaviorism and
Cognitivism
are both a good way of teaching
and learning processes,
however, there are some
differences between them
which is very significant.

7. Control
Behaviorist: presentation of “scientifically”
graded language items.
Cognitivist: grading, but not so
“scientifically” controlled. Cognitive
grading is also important, in terms of what
the learner brings to the activity of
learning.

8. Error
Behaviorist: should not be made at all.
Cognitivist: can be made, since through
errors one can learn.

9. Exposure
Behaviorist: necessary, but in a
linguistically controlled way.
Cognitivist: plenty, and it’s necessary.

10. Practice
Behaviorist: drills and drills, constant
repetition is definitely necessary.
Cognitivist: is important, but rote learning
and meaningless repetition is out.

11. Role of the Learner
Behaviorist: a passive recipient of
planned instruction.
Cognitivist: an active processor of
learning. One whose internal data
processing mechanism operate.

12. Role of the Teacher
Behaviorist: one who teaches, plans,
presents language items and exercises,
makes students repeat drills and gives
correct language forms.
Cognitivist: one who creates
opportunities for learning to occur with
the help of the learner’s data processing
mechanism.

13. The Language Syllabus
Behaviorist: based on the structures and
vocabulary of language presented
systematically.
Cognitivist: could be less systematically
presented structures and vocabulary,
functions, notions, situations, and
cognitive functions.

14. Grading of Items
Behaviorist: Strict, clear, step by step
(lock-step method)
Cognitivist: no so definite, since the
individual language learner is involved.

15. Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Behaviorism and Cognitivism are two
learning theories that even though
they have their differences, both
theories emphasize the role that
environmental conditions play in
facilitating learning, as well as
emphasis on the role of practice with
corrective feedback.

16. References
Abbie Brown & Timothy D. Green (2006), The Essentials of Instructional Design.,
Pearson Education , Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
http://www.forerunner.com/forerunner/X0497_DeMar_Behaviorism.html
What is Behaviorism? By Kendra Van Wagner
http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/f/behaviorism/htm
http://geocities.com/learningenviornments/learningenvironments.html
Linguistics Valleys: theory of Teaching: Behaviorism and Cognitivism
http://linguisticsearch.blogspot.com/2006/12/theory-of-teachingbehaviorism.htm
Cognitive Theories of Learning http://www.personal/psu/edu/users/w/x/wxh139/cognitive_1.htm
Learning-Theories (2008) http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitive.html
1998-2008 Funderstanding http://funderstanding.com/content/behavirism