Introduction
Welcome psychology students! Have you ever wondered why people learn and behave the way that they do? Psychologists have developed different theories to explain how learning happens, each with a unique perspective.
In this WebQuest, you will explore three major learning theories:
- Behaviorism (B.F. Skinner, John Watson)
- Cognitive Psychology (Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner)
- Social Cognitive Theory (Albert Bandura)
Your assignment is to become familiar with these theories and explain how they differ and how they apply to real life and the classroom.
Task
By the end of this WebQuest, you will:
- Compare and contrast the three theories.
- Identify key theorists and their contributions.
- Create a visual presentation (Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint) that explains the differences and similarities between the theories.
- Apply each theory to a classroom scenario.
Process
Step 1: Research the Theories
Use the links below to explore each theory. Take notes on:
- Definition
- Key concepts
- Major theorists
- Examples of learning or behavior explained by each theory
Behaviorism Resources
Cognitive Psychology Resources
Social Cognitive Theory Resources
Step 2: Organize Your Information
Create a comparison chart with three columns for the theories. Fill in each row with the following:
| Concept | Behaviorism | Cognitive Psychology | Social Cognitive Theory |
| Key theorist(s) | |||
| View of Learning | |||
| Role of Environment | |||
| Role of the Learner | |||
| Classroom Application | |||
| Example Scenario |
Step 3: Create Your Presentation
Use your chart to help you design a visual presentation. Make it clear and engaging. Include:
- A title slide
- A slide defining each theory
- A comparison slide comparing each theory
- A real-life or classroom example for each theory
Evaluation
You will be assessed on:
|
Criterion (Score at 0 if there is no evidence) |
Below Expectations (1) |
Meets Expectations (3) |
Exceeds Expectations (5) |
Score |
| Student Sample Requirements |
The sample does not meet requirements as submitted. |
The sample meets one or two requirements submitted. |
The sample meets all of the requirements submitted. | |
| Knowledge Gained |
The sample does not show the learning and representation of that learning in the differences in Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, & Social Cognitive Theory by the student sample. |
The sample does show basic learning and representation of that learning in the differences in Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, & Social Cognitive Theory by the student sample. |
The sample shows complete learning and representation of that learning in the differences in Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, & Social Cognitive Theory by the student sample. | |
| Use of Links |
The sample does not show the use of links from Internet as stated in the Process. |
The sample shows some use one or two links from Internet as stated in the Process. |
The sample shows use of all links provided from the Internet as stated in the Process. | |
| Rubric Grading |
The student same evaluation from the submitted rubric scores in the beginning/below expectations/range. |
The student sample evaluation from the submitted rubric scores in the developing/meets expectations/average range. |
The student sample evaluation from the submitted rubric scores in the exemplary/above expectations range. | |
| Total |
Conclusion
Congratulations students!! You have learned that how we learn depends on how we see the world. Some believe we are shaped by rewards and punishments, others by thought process, and others by watching and modeling those around us. Understanding these theories will help you not only in psychology class but also in teaching, parenting, and interacting with others in everyday life. How will you apply the things you have learned in your everyday life? How will you apply the things you have learned in your future career?