1. Theory of behaviorism
Aristotle associated the theory. Later , Watson gave term to the Aristotle theory as “ Behaviorism”. Hobbs, Hume, Brown, Bain, Ebbinghause , Black, Pavlow, Thorndike, and Skinner followed Aristotle’s thought.
The hypothesis behind behavioralist learning theories is that all learning occurs when behavior is influenced and changed by external factors (Merriam & Caffarella, 1999).
Behaviorism is learning process that accepts stimuli from external influences. Giving reward will encourage learners to change their behavior and punishment will create mental blocks so that learners will stay away from doing something if there is a punishment. The behaviorism gains to shape behavior of the learners by giving external stimuli.
Behaviorist Theory maintains a focus on the change in observable behaviors as the manifestations of learning. The theory emphasizes changes in behaviors due to the influence and control of the external environment, rather than the internal thought process of the subject (Merriam & Caffarella,1999)
This theory is often practiced in emergency procedure. Seamen training can probably use this theory to train new ship crews. The crews can practice simulation of first aid and sailing procedures. The aim of the training is to create behavior that can help and secure them in an emergency condition while they are sailing.
Later this theory are modified and practiced at general schools. The stimulus and response are part of behaviorism. They are now often practiced to encourage students in classroom. It also can be applied at elementary school level or even kindergarten. You can practice giving stimulus and appreciation to your students after their finishing a work. Your students will create mental image what they have done are good. In the end, they will consider your appreciation as good thing. When students receive good response and appreciation repeatedly from you because they have done an action, they will make the action as a habit or behavior. Teachers can eliminate undesired behavior by giving no attention or no appreciation so that students who have made mistakes will not repeat their undesired behavior.
2. Theory of Constructivism
It is a combination of multiple theories. The major theories that assemble constructivism are cognitive models and behaviorism. The “constructivist stance maintains that learning is a process of constructing meaning; it is how people make sense of their experience” (Merriam and Caffarella, 1999, p. 260) students are required to use their cognitive skill to create their real experience through practices. This is a self-centered learning style. Teachers or trainers set the format of learning activities that students can follow. The format of activities must be suitable to lessons that students have already learned. Students need to explore their cognitive skills to solve problems, create new ideas, gather information and make choices.
The difference of constructivism and behaviorism is apparent. Constructivism encourages students learn through practices and experience however students must utilize their thought from previous information or cognitive skill. Behaviorism encourages students to practice and have experience first. Teachers or trainers will give stimuli and responses after the students’ action. Students take conclusion from the responses and stimuli if their actions are error or right. Constructivist theory's (J. Bruner) main theme is that learning is a process in which the learner is able to build on present and previous information.
3. Multiple intelligences
1. Multiple intelligences
Howard Gardner introduced this theory. Eight basic intelligences can develop. He wrote books about Multiple intelligence. Frames of Mind: The theory of multiple intelligences (1983; 1993) is one of them.
1) Linguistic intelligence
It is proficiency to learn and use language both oral and written. Some orators, writers, poets, negotiators, and speakers seem to have high linguistic intelligence. Children who have this intelligence tend to enjoy learning language, poet, and drama. Teachers must give satisfaction to the students’ need in linguistic activities.
2) Logical Mathematical intelligence
Logical smartness is the characteristic of this intelligence. Children with this logical smartness usually have good skill in math, solving problems and puzzles. They like to investigate cases. Some people who are categorized have high logical thinking are scientists, and engineers. An education institution can classify classes based on this intelligence so that the teachers can accommodate the students’ learning style.
3) Spatial intelligence
It is simply called portrait smart. Children whose spatial intelligence explore their vision in their learning style. They will enjoy learning using visual media.
4) Musical intelligence
It has parallel intelligence with structural of linguistic intelligence. Children in this need like learning music. They have talent in vocal and using musical instruments. They appreciate music well.
5) Kinesthetic intelligence
Athletes and dancers are likely to have this intelligence. Children who tend to posses this intelligence use their movements to solve problems. Their mental and physical activities have correlation. Teachers will sometime find a student who always moves around in the classroom. The student may have kinesthetic intelligence. Unfortunately, he / she sometimes becomes a trouble maker if he/she does not meet his/ her content in the learning style.
6) Interpersonal intelligence
Educators, sales people, political leaders, religious leaders, and counselors have this intelligence. This intelligence is a skill to understand other people. They are good in organization because they are sociable. They can translate other’s desires so that they will put themselves in the right arrangement.
7) Intrapersonal intelligence
It has skill in understanding oneself. It likes to be quite. Children with this intelligence tend to have small circle of friend. They can work effectively when they are alone. They are able to regulate their lives well.
8) Naturalist intelligence
It is a skill to understand environment. Children with this smartness like to learn animals, plants and human body. Doctors and biologists may have high naturalist intelligence. Teachers must bring their students of naturalists to the field or farm. Their students will enjoy and get more input in their learning.
References
LEARNING THEORY , Wikibooks Contributors, From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm
http://www.bgfl.org/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/what.cfm
