Cognitivism Vs Constructivism Essay

In the secondary chemistry classroom, there are more signs and actions that are linked to cognitivism rather than constructivism. Now constructivism can be witness in a chemistry classroom, but there are some tweaks to the standard mindframe related to the learning style. Ms. DiMaria runs her chemistry classroom in ways that are standard in education systems, thus there are more actions that are based on cognitivism.
Cognitivism is all about thinking about the mind and how teachers should base their lessons in ways that will fully enrich the students’ minds hoping that the information will stay with those students throughout their educations. Prior knowledge is a key component for the cognitive learners because without prior knowledge the students have nothing to build new information upon. Chemistry textbooks, …show more content…
DiMaria and most chemistry classrooms. Chemistry is a subject that has to be instructed a certain way. There are hints of constructivism and a decent amount of cognitivism involved with teaching secondary chemistry. This blend that I described above can be witnessed in most chemistry classrooms like Ms. DiMaria’s, and that is because it is the most effective way of teaching the subject. The prior knowledge is needed for chemistry students to progress throughout the material, and the labs are needed because it proves that the information being discussed has a purpose and should not be ignored. Both learning theories have their place in certain subjects, but secondary chemistry has to be instructed with this balance for the students’ mental capabilities. Without this blend of cognitivism and constructivism, the students will not be able to handle new material in college, and they would struggle to believe that this chemistry actually occurs in the world they live in. If the students do not believe in the science, then they will not care or deeply appreciate the science of