Week 6 Reflection

Week 6 Reflection

Lesson: How to calculate and compare the unit costs of various sizes and/or brands of  

             the same product.

Behavioral Learning Theory

          B.F. Skinner’s Behavioral Learning Theory claims that learning results from positive or negative reinforcement.  A teacher strives to find the appropriate response to each of his or her students’ behavior in hopes of encouraging the want to do well.  While teaching a lesson on calculating and comparing the unit costs of products I see a competition between groups to purchase a grocery list of items with a certain amount of money.  Each group could be given ads to a variety of stores and they would have to comparison shop and calculate the price to find the best buy for their money.  The winning group who bought the most food for the least amount of money would then be awarded a prize.  As with all lessons, not all responses will work for every student and usually a variety of positive reinforcements are necessary for the range of learners in one room.

Cognitive Information Processing Theory

          The Cognitive Information Processing Theory is almost defined in its name; processing information that is learned and connecting to previous knowledge is the main idea of this theory.  This theory is based off the idea that we all have three memory systems: sensory, short term, and long term. (pg. 37)  If teaching this lesson, I would start with assessing the students’ prior knowledge by conversing about their shopping experiences and basic math skills.  Next I would have a variety of brands of a product, say toothpaste, for the students to view, hold, and organize in a way that made sense to them.  We would talk about how each student or group organized the toothpaste; size, brand, or price.  They would then discuss which toothpaste they would buy if out shopping.  I would have them compare their choice with other choices comparing the price per ounce and discuss whether or not they made the right choice for their money.  This simple lesson would hopefully make a future thrifty shopper.  

Situated Learning Theory

          The Situated Learning Theory describes that learning happens by doing.  Teaching this lesson with this theory in mind I may set up a field trip to a local store or if possible set up a store in the classroom with a variety of school supplies and snacks.  The students could be put in groups and given a set amount of money to make a dinner or buy supplies for a project.  They would have to use their math skills and compare brands and sales to make sure they did not run out of money while at the same time getting everything they needed for their project.  They would be thrown into a situation and have to use their skills and knowledge to achieve their goal on the spot.