Learning Theories Pt. 1

Learning Theories Pt. 1

Learning Theories

Behaviorism

Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli in influencing behavior. The learner is a passive participant. New behaviors, or changes in behavior, result from external stimuli and consequences. Reinforcement and punishment are primary factors in behaviorist learning theories.

Learning theories provide a framework for understanding how students acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviors. These theories provide different perspectives on learning and guide instructional strategies, curriculum development, and educational practices.

Arleta Malloy

Grand Canyon University

EDU - 522: Curriculum Design Theories

Dr. Laura Metcalfe

June 7, 2023

Constructivism

Cognitivism

Constructivism suggests that learners actively construct knowledge and understanding by building on their existing knowledge and experiences. Learning is a social and collaborative process where learners interact with others and the environment. Constructivism emphasizes hands-on, problem-based learning and the importance of reflection and metacognition.

Cognitive theory emphasizes the mental processes involved in learning. Learning is an active process of acquiring, processing, and organizing new information in the brain for the learner to recall in the future. Cognitivism focuses on memory, attention, problem-solving, and information processing.

Resources

Behaviorism

Role of Memory

Characteristics

Theorists

Behavior can be observed, measured, and modified. Behavior is strengthened or weakened through reinforcement. External stimuli (such as rewards or punishments) influence behavior. Conditioning: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Learning is viewed as establishing connections between stimuli and responses. Behaviors are considered a direct response to specific environmental cues.

Memory is considered an observable behavior rather than internal mental processes like memory. Memory viewed as associations and experiences can influence future behavior. Memory is based on habits developed from stimulus-response and reinforcement of behaviors.

The main theorists in behaviorist learning theory are Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner. Each of these theorists made significant contributions to the development and understanding of behaviorist learning theory. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and external stimuli as the primary factors in learning. It emphasizes that learning results from an interaction between the learner and its environment

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

Learning occurs through the process of conditioning. Classical conditioning involves learning through the association between stimuli, while operant conditioning involves learning through the consequences of behavior. In both cases, learning is seen as a behavior change resulting from the learner’s interaction with the environment

• Classical conditioning
• Operant conditioning

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Cognitivism

Characteristics

Role of Memory

Cognitivism encourages learners to actively explore and discover new knowledge, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learners actively engage with the learning materials and construct their knowledge rather than passively receiving information. It focuses on internal mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving during learning. Piaget's theory of cognitive development suggests that learners organize knowledge into mental structures called schemas. As new information is encountered, learners assimilate it into existing schemas or modify existing schemas to fit the new information

Theorists

Memory plays a crucial role in cognitive learning. It involves the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. Cognitivism recognizes different types of memory involved in learning:sensory memoryshort-term memorylong-term memory

The foremost theorists in cognitive learning theory include Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Albert Bandura, and Jerome Bruner. These theorists have made significant contributions to understanding how cognitive processes influence learning. Cognitive learning theory emphasizes the role of mental processes in learning, focusing on how individuals acquire, process, and organize information.

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

Learning occurs through various processes, including attention, perception, encoding, retrieval, and problem-solving. Learners actively engage with information, process it in their minds, and make connections with their existing knowledge. They construct new knowledge by assimilating new information into existing schemas or by accommodating their schemas to incorporate new information.

• Concept learning
• Problem-solving
• Transfer of learning
• Metacognition
• Discovery learning

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Constructivism

Role of Memory

Characteristics

Theorists

Constructivism is a learning theory involving learners' active construction of knowledge. Individuals construct their world understanding through experiences and environmental and social interactions. Constructivism has different interpretations and variations. However, the role of memory, the learning process, and associated learning types provide a general overview of the theory.

Learners actively construct their own knowledge; therefore, memory plays a crucial role in this process. Memory enables learners to retain and retrieve information, make connections between new and prior knowledge, and construct meaning. Memory allows learners to access and apply what they have learned in different contexts and situations.

John Dewey, an influential American educational reformer contributed significantly to developing constructivist ideas. In addition, the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky is closely associated with constructivism. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory complements constructivism by highlighting the role of social interaction in learning. Other influential contributors to constructive learning theory are Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner.

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

Learning occurs through active engagement, social interaction, and the construction of knowledge. Learners actively engage in exploring, experimenting, problem-solving, and reflecting. They collaborate with others, receive guidance and feedback, and gradually internalize new concepts and skills. In addition, learning is a continuous process of acquiring new knowledge and modifying the learner’s mental framework.

• Active Learning
• Problem-Based Learning
• Collaborative Learning
• Socially Mediated Learning
• Authentic Learning

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