Learning Theories 101

Learning Theories 101

Behaviorism

Constructivism

• Associated theorists: Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, and Rousseau
• Major characteristics: Uses learner motivation and repetition to enforce
• Role of memory: The memory is conditioned to remember what is expected of it and perform to teacher expectations in that given environment
• How learning occurs: Teacher utilizes factors that motivate students to create buy-in of students
• Types of learning: Positive reinforcement, drills, guided practice, regular review

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016)

• Associated theorists: Vygotsky, Piaget, and Dewey
• Major characteristics: Knowledge is built on prior knowledge; Believes the learning is an active and personal process
• Role of memory: The memory pulls from prior knowledge to make connections to new learning
• How learning occurs: Often occurs in smaller numbers where students and teacher are both active participants (teachers are just the facilitators
• Types of learning: Model-based, scaffolding, hands-on opportunities for students

(Wooley et al., 1999)

Cognitivism

• Associated theorists: Burner and Piaget
• Major characteristics: Focuses on the brain's ability to process, absorb and recall inform to dictate the teaching strategies used by educators
• Role of memory: Memory is the key basis of cognitivism-- the ability of a person's brain to transfer information from short-term to long-term memory is what will determine their success
• Types of learning: Providing opportunities for analysis and reasoning, making real-world connections, using visuals

(Clark, 2018)