Re: LOGO-L> behaviourism

[gary mccallister <mccallis@mesa5.mesa.colorado.edu>]

     I see no dilemma.  It has become a cliche to talk about learning 
styles and the many methods people use for learning.  What is obscured by 
an emphasis on learning styles (or any other theory) is that most people 
learn different things different ways and at different times in their 
life.  If every person has to rediscover Archimedes principle for 
themselves (constructivism)we are doomed.  Archimedes was one in a 
million, brilliant and with a unique background.  What constructivism 
does is allow people to grasp the principle more quickly and 
completely because of shared physical experiences.  Further more, I am 
not sure one learns to think clearly because stumbles around with some 
data they collected.  One criteria for clear thinking is the possession 
of some reliable facts.  There are places, times, subjects, and people 
when memoriazation simply has to be used.  Repetition is the Mother of 
all learning.  That Behaviorism works very well in certain instances is 
not surprising.  That has been demonstrated by Skinner and others very well.
     If I were to pose the question on the list, "What is the best home 
tool; hammer, screw driver, or pliers?", I would be mocked.  The obvious 
response is, "what do you want to accomplish?"  Educational theories and 
methods are tools (like text books, tests, lab exercises, field trips, 
drill and practice, etc.) and their selection should fit the task.  Seems 
to me that you just found a good tool for your needs.
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