Learning theories like behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism are all different in their approaches towards education, and reflecting on them has helped me understand how to learn and teach better in my own context.

For example, in my own learning, I’ve come to understand that behaviorism works best for me at the most basic levels, where It’s primary focus is on the repetition and reinforcement of a task. When I was new to a language, learning apps like Duolingo had gamified rewards that motivated me to memorize vocabulary, but the same method isn’t effective for conversation. For more complex, skill-elevating tasks like engaging in conversations, I now practice cognitivist and constructivist approaches.

A concept that I was able to apply to my teaching style is cognitivism’s focus on the value of information organization. I had a friend who was preparing for a professional certification and so, to aid him, I used detailed structured outlines, flowcharts, and visual aids. By addressing the difficult topics in parts, I was not only able to help him understand everything effectively, but it also improved my skills on how to articulate my ideas clearly.

The most transformative approach for me has been constructivism, especially while working on group projects. When I was leading a team at work, I was assigned a project to develop a new community initiative and I started with encouraging brainstorming sessions and practical experimentation, followed by discussions on what everyone contributed and how their ideas connected to the larger goal. This approach not only allowed everyone to feel valued and involved but also fostered creativity and deeper understanding.

If I were designing a lesson on climate change in my context, I’d blend these approaches. I’d start with a behaviorist method like short quizzes to reinforce foundational knowledge, use cognitivist tools like concept maps to explain climate systems, and finish with constructivist projects where participants create local solutions. In my own teaching and learning, I find the best outcomes come from tailoring methods to the situation. By combining these theories, I can create engaging and effective learning experiences.