Comparing Learning Theories

Comparing Learning Theories

What are the central tenets of each?

Behaviorism

Constructivism

Learning is the result of stimulus, response, and consequence

The learner actively builds their own knowledge

• Learning is externally motivated
• The learner is passive, compared to other theories
• Repetition and reinforcement are key
• Behaviorism focuses only on observable behaviors

• Relies on experiential learning and the intrinsic motivation of the learner
• Learning is an active and social process
• Learners bring their unique experiences to learning

Andragogy

"the art and science of adult learning"

• Adults need to be involved in the planning of their instruction
• Prior experience provides the basis for their learning activities
• Adults are most interested in material with immediate relevance to their life
• Adult learning is problem-centered, not content-centered

Cognitivism

Connectivism

Focuses on the internal mental processes of the learner

Learning happens collaboratively as individuals share information

• Capacity for learning is related to available working memory

• 'Nodes' are how information is distributed

• Individuals are self-regulating and have agency. Learning must be based on the agency of the learner.
• Learning can happen through the observation and modeling of others

• In our rapidly developing digital world, knowledge is connected across networks
• Learning is centered around connecting available information and assessing patterns.