Embedding Media and Discussing Learning Theories

Behavior Learning Theory:

            Using this theory of learning, I would bring in several different brands and sizes of the same serial.  I would cover each box with a general cover, but label each box with the correct price.  Next, I would have students measure the mass of each box, and then come up with a unit cost (such as dollars per kilogram).  Since there will be several brands and at least two sizes for each brand, they would get varying unit costs.  After they calculated the unit cost of each item, I would have them check their answers with me.  If they have them all correct (or if they go back and make the corrections), I would have them predict which different size boxes were the same brand.  After all groups had guessed the pair, I would reveal which boxes were which.

Situated Learning Theory:

            For this theory, I would have students come up with a simple meal (5 items or so) that they would like to prepare for several people.  Each student would need to decide how many people they want to feed.  Based on this information, they would need to calculate the unit cost of each item in the various sizes that they are sold.  Based on the unit costs, they would need to decide what sizes they would buy.  They would also need to consider that though the larger sizes usually have a lower unit cost, is it worth buying more than you may use?

Constructivism:

            My procedure for this would be similar in nature to my activity for the Situated Learning Theory, with students figuring out what and how much they would buy to make a simple, 5-item meal.  They would do the initial stages of selecting the items and calculating unit costs together, but then they would individually decide which quantities they would buy based on the number of people they intend to feed.  After making these individual decisions, the two students would get back together and discuss what they chose and why.  I would also have them come to an agreement after this on which sizes to buy, and the pairs would share their results with the rest of the class.

Piper Cub hanging in the commons of West Michigan Aviation Academy

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