Assignment Description

The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of learners and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every learner is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each learner will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least 2 other posts from learners. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Friday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week. Learners are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow learners to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in 2-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Assignment Specifics

Part 1

Discuss the following:

How did behaviorism become such a dominant theoretical basis for education and training in the United States?

What do you think is changing in the way people think about others and their learning?

Why do you think that there seems to be so many lecture courses in schools and in training? Is this good or bad?

How might consideration of theories in the instructional design process affect such courses?

Do you think that a tendency to use a behavioral approach in learning and teaching might have something to do with an instructor's desire to keep control over the classroom and the learning pace and activity? Why or why not?

How do behaviorists make the logical transition in their thinking from experiments on pigeons, rats, dogs, and apes to conclusions about human learning?

Illustrate your discussions with examples.

Part 2

The scientific or positivist philosophy of education argues that knowledge can be discovered and constructed scientifically.

Positivists assume that people can discover the truth about the world and that everyone needs to work toward knowledge of the same, ultimate truth, regardless of the topic or field of study.

Discuss the following:

In what ways does behaviorist theory support this philosophy?

In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings. Your response should address the DB question(s) and move the conversation forward.

You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking.

If asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument.

Include enough detail to substantiate your thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.