What information processing theory is Mr. Cominsky demonstrating by breaking his class into small groups?

Mr. Cominsky is demonstrating social constructivism by breaking his class into small groups. Social constructivism emphasizes the importance of social interactions and collaborative learning in the development of knowledge and understanding. In this approach, learning is viewed as a shared process where students construct meaning together, drawing from their varied experiences and perspectives. By organizing the class into small groups, Mr. Cominsky encourages students to engage with one another, discuss ideas, and collectively solve problems. This collaborative environment fosters deeper understanding and allows students to learn from each other, which is a key principle of social constructivism.

In contrast, behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and often involves reinforcement strategies rather than group interactions. Constructivism, while relevant, is broader and does not specifically emphasize the social aspect that social constructivism does. Cognitive load theory concentrates on the mental effort involved in learning rather than the collaborative processes highlighted in social constructivism.