June 16, 2010 - Response during Module 1 for 8845-1

Dr Moller asked, "Why are learning theories so important to us and to all educators?"


Sandra answered, "Theories are important because they involve research and empirical data that can guide policy and practices. They provide a solid foundation to work from and move forward in teaching and learning. Theories have withstood the test of time and can be trusted."
 
To which I replied, "How do you know which theory is to be trusted since seemingly, all have passed the test of time test? Theories change with the times and at different times different theories seem to take precedence. Why is it that psychiatrists and psycho-analysts are the ones dictating educational theory? Personally, I think this leans too highly on people who are too invasive into areas that do not apply to them on a day-to-day basis and is too dependent upon bahaviorism."
 
Now it would seem that I was slightly wrong when I included psycho-analysts in the mix since noe were, but when behaviorist think that behaviors can be be changed by reinforcing the correct over the incorrect stimulus (Saettler, 2004) then there is a problem. Most teachers are not skilled behaviorist thus it is more likely that they will accidently reinforce the wrong stimuli over the correct stimuli thereby reinforcing the wrong behavior expectation over the desired behavior. Driscoll (2005) and others in class have stated that behaviorist techniques works best with children with disabilities (MR, autism, ADHD, etc.) Behaviorism goes against my persoanl preferences but I can understand how it would be beneficial for teachers working with students with disabilities described above.