Behaviourism vs Cognitivism

Component of
Behaviorist Cognitivist
Learning
Belief about the • The mind is a blank slate. • The mind is an active organizer
mind: • All minds are basically • Brains vary, with multiple intelligences and
alike. learning styles
Goal Setting: • Teacher plans and sets • Students participate in planning and goal
goals. setting.
Motivation: • Reward is motivator. • Learning is a motivator.
Teaching Styles: • Teacher teaches his/her • Teacher teaches with variety; no one “best”
way; one “best” way. way.
Content of • Students are taught • Students are taught “what” and “how”.
Curriculum: “what”.
Assessment: who • Teacher assesses. • Students are actively involved in peer and
does it? self-assessment.
Assessment: what • Product is important. • Product and process are important.
is evaluated?
Role of Culture: • Culture is irrelevant. • Culture is the basis for social interaction
patterns: learning results from social
interaction.