Context Matters!

When considering which approach is best suited to designing learning environments and educational tasks, I believe that the concluding statement from Jonassen's paper is crucial. The need to consider the context of the learning 'outcomes' is one of the most important elements that will determine the most appropriate approach. In my teaching context, there are learning outcomes that are best achieved by applying a behaviourist approach, such as the development of basic literacy and numeracy skills. If the desired outcome is for students to be apply their understanding of a concept, the constructivist approach would be best suited to achieve this. I believe that my goal as an educator is to develop in my students the ability to become life long learners, that it is essential for them to be able to problem solve across a variety of learning contexts. With this in mind, in an ever changing learning environment, I need to be able to employ a range of learning approaches depending on the context and best suited to the student's abilities.