Learning Theories

Learning Theories

Adult Learning Theory

Connectivism

Sociocultural

Lev Vygotsky

George Siemens

Malcolm Knowles

Emphasize that adult learning is self-directed, based on experience, and must include relevant information that motivates an individual to take part in the learning (O'Neill, 2020).

Emphasize that learning is a social experience that differs across cultures (Loveless, 2022).

Emphasize that learning is more than our own internal knowledge. It includes what can be reached in our external networks (Connectivism learning theory, 2021).

Goal of memory is to use whatever is culturally accepted to remember information (from notetaking to storytelling).

Goal of memory is not memorization. Rather, they construct knowledge by solving problems and using reasoning to take in information.

Goal of memory is to make connections between internal and external "nodes."

Learning occurs through interaction with others in the zone of proximal development. It relies on the scaffolding provided by a More Knowledgable Other.

Learning occurs when adults can control the how, what, and when of the learning. And when past experiences are used.

Learning occurs when students combine thoughts, theories, and general information in a useful manner.

Social InteractionLanguage Scaffolding Zone of Proximal Development

CollaborationReal World Learning Experimentation

TechnologyGroup Work Social Media