Charles Johnson

11/07/2021

EDUC 210

Dr. Williams
 There are many philosophies in the field of education. Most teachers base how they teach

off one or more of these philosophies. During my field placement this year, I have noticed my

mentor portray some of these philosophies. I see some behaviorism and I see some

constructivism. Some of these philosophies are crucial, especially in an elementary school. As an

elementary education major, the philosophies of behaviorism and constructivism are essential in

the classroom.

Behaviorism is the philosophy that “focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned

through interaction with the environment” (WGU). It focuses on the idea that behaviors are

learned from the environment, not inherited. Behaviorism is a key philosophy because it can

really impact the behavior of their students. There are many examples and practices that teachers

use with behaviorism. Teachers can do drills, questions and answers, and guided practice that

can help with the behavior of their students. According to WGU, “a common example of

behaviorism is positive reinforcement” (WGU). Positive reinforcement is important for young

students because sometimes they don’t know right from wrong. As an elementary school teacher,

positive reinforcement is important because the kids are so young that it can help them achieve

better and be more interested in learning. One way I have noticed this in my observation is my

teacher rewarding perfect attendance. She writes out the word “reward” and each day they have

perfect attendance, she writes the date next to the letter. This is important because it encourages

the students to show up for class every day.

As an elementary school teacher, behaviorism is one of the philosophies that I would use

in my teachings. I want my students to enjoy being in class and have fun learning. Positive

reinforcement is one way I would use behaviorism. Children should really be rewarded for doing

good things because it helps them learn right from wrong and help them learn good behaviors.
Another way I could use behaviorism is reviews. According to WGU, “reviews are important to

behavioral learning theory. Going back over material and giving positive reinforcement will help

students retain information much better”. (WGU). I could make reviews into a fun game and

give prizes to the students who do good on them.

Another philosophy that I would interpret into my teaching is constructivism.

Constructivism is based off the works of Jean Piaget. It is the idea that people make or construct

their own knowledge. They interpret and reinterpret information that they learn. Constructivism

is a learner-centered philosophy that builds the learners critical thinking skill. According to

Slife.org, “When individuals assimilate new information, they incorporate it into an already

existing framework without changing that framework”. (Slife.org). With constructivism, there

are many principles to this philosophy. The basic principle of constructivism is knowledge is

constructed. According to WGU, with this principle “Students take pieces and put them together

in their own unique way, building something different than what another student will build”

(WGU). Every student learns different, and teachers should find a way that best fits their

individual students needs to learn the material. Another principle to this philosophy is learning is

an active process. WGU writes, “Learning involves sensory input to construct meaning. The

learner needs to do something in order to learn, it’s not a passive activity” (WGU). Teachers

need to give the students something that they can do in order to learn the material.

Constructivism is a very important philosophy that all teachers should know and use. It is

especially important in the elementary classroom. I have noticed this in my observation. My

mentor goes around and helps her students with the material and goes at the speed of the students

needs and uses activities that interests them in helping them learn. When I am teaching, I will use

constructivism on a daily basis. Some students don’t learn as quick as other students do. It is
important to use constructivism to make sure that all of your students understand the material.

Ask the students what they are having troubles with. Ask them what they don’t understand and

go over it with them to help them understand it. You could give the students who are struggling

assignments to do that make it easy to read and understand so that they can get a grasp on the

subject and construct the knowledge that they need to know. Using constructivism can make sure

that all of your students are understanding what they are being taught and that they aren’t being

left behind for future teachers and materials that they will learn.

While there are many philosophies in education, these two philosophies will be the most

important for me to be the best teacher that I can be. Behaviorism is the idea that behaviors are

learned from the students environment rather than it being inherited. Using behaviorism can help

students learn behaviors in the classroom that can help them succeed. There are many ways to

use this such as positive reinforcement, guided practice, and questions and answers.

Constructivism is the idea the knowledge in constructed from the learners’ previous experiences

and reinterpreted all of the time. Since every student learns different, using constructivism can

help each student learn at their own pace. Asking students what they don’t understand and

helping each student individually with what they are having trouble with is a way that

constructivism is used. It makes sure that all of your students know the material and don’t get left

behind. These philosophies are crucial to all levels of education, but especially in elementary

school because they enforce good behavior in children that they go on to use in middle and high

school and beyond. They also help the kids understand the material for when they use it down

the line in middle school and high school.

 Works Cited

What is the Behavioral Learning Theory? (2020, May 29). WGU. Retrieved November 7, 2021,

from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html#close

Constructivism (Philosophy of Education). (n.d.). The Spiritual Life. Retrieved November 7,

2021, from https://slife.org/constructivism/

What is Constructivism? (2020, May 27). WGU. Retrieved November 7, 2021, from

https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html#:~:text=Constructivism%20is

%20an%20important%20learning%20theory%20that%20educators,is%20determined

%20by%20your%20experiences%20as%20a%20learner.