discuss the principal features of cognitivism and constructivism that distinguish the two paradigms
Answers
Cognitive and constructive are two types of learning theories. The main distinguishing feature between two paradigms is the way of thinking and learning. In simple words, cognitive theory deals with logical approaches of thinking like a computer while contructivism theory deals with logical as well as humanistic approaches of thinking and learning.
⇒ The principal features of Cognitivism and Constructivism that distinguish the two paradigms are
Cognitivism: It is is a process. It is based on thinking. The thoughts of humans are involved in this process. According to cognitivism, the behavior. of a person is the reflection of his/her thoughts.
It is a process that involves the processes occurring in the brain like
- Sensation
- Perception
- Attention
- Memory
Constructivism: It is about a person's own understanding of the world. It is to construct one's own knowledge and experience of the universe.
It is a learning process. A person can use his/her
- existing knowledge
- beliefs
- skills
⇒ Using existing and new information, one can construct a fresh understanding of a concept, idea or phenomenon.
Difference:
Cognitivism is not concerned with the creativity. It is a reflection of regular thinking process but the constructivism is all about the learning processes. It is relevant to create something new, something unique.