Reflection 2

Reflection #2

There are many differences between the formats of the Behaviorist and the Constructivist lesson plans. The first most obvious difference is the amount of elements contained in each. The Behaviorist contains eight elements and the Constructivist contains 6 elements. The Behaviorist format was created by Madeline Hunter. She was an internationally known educator who devoted most of her career to an analysis of what makes instruction effective. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) The Constructivist format has a large variety of creators. Each element was introduced by various educators in the past. (George W. Gagnon) The Behaviorist lesson plan begins with the Purpose/Objective which is basically what the lesson is for the day and why the students need to learn it. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) The Constructivist lesson plan begins with the Situation. The situation is to determine what is going to be arranged for the student’s to explain. (George W. Gagnon) The second element of the Behaviorist plan is the Anticipatory Set which is a short activity to focus the student’s attention before the lesson begins. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) The second element of the Constructivist plan is the Groupings. There are 2 categories of the grouping element. First is how you are going to make groupings of students and second is how you are going to arrange groupings of materials that students will use. (George W. Gagnon) The next step for the Behaviorist plan is Input. Input is the vocabulary, skills, and concepts the teacher will impart to the students. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) For the Constructivist plan the next step is the Bridge. The Bridge is an initial activity intended to determine students’ prior knowledge and to build a “bridge” between what they already know and what they might learn. (George W. Gagnon) Following that we have Modeling for the Behaviorist plan. Modeling is when the teacher shows in graphic form what the finished product looks like. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) In the Constructivist plan we have Questions. Questions should be asked to introduce the situation, arrange the groupings, set up the bridge, keep active learning going, prompt exhibits, and encourage reflections. (George W. Gagnon) The Behaviorist plan continues with the Guided Practice which is when the teacher leads the students through the steps and then the Check For Understanding where the teacher uses questioning strategies. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) The Constructivist plan continues with the Exhibit which involves the students making an exhibit for others of their thoughts. (George W. Gagnon) The Behaviorist has a seventh element which is Independent Practice where the teacher releases the students to practice on their own. The last element of the Behaviorist plan is the Closure. The Closure is a review or wrap-up. (Behaviorist Lesson Plan #1) The final element of the Constructivist plan is the Reflections. These are the students’ reflections of what they thought. (George W. Gagnon) This is my description of the differences between a Behaviorist and a Constructivist lesson plan format.