Learning Theories Part 2

Connectivism Theorists

Adult Learning Theorist

Sociocultural Theorist

Sociocultural

The role of memory

• According to Vygotsky, children move through stages of development: attention, sensation, perception and memory.
• Through social and cultural interactions these developmental stages strengthen and alter.

(Cherry, 2022) (Pappas, 2014) (Polly, 2018)

Connectivism

Learning

How learning occurs

• It occurs via connection of "nodes" and outside sources

Types of learning that occurs:

• "Nebulous environments of shifting core elements" (Siemens,2018) i.e., learning is not 100% in the learner's control.

• Decision making is an important learning process.
• Learners should make connections across concepts

(Siemens,2018)

Adult Learning Theory

Major characteristics

• Also known as Andragogy; designed for adult learners
• Adults prefer to be apart of the instructional process
• Learning occurs best through experiences
• Content must be relevant to learner

(Culatta, 2023)

Connectivism

The role of memory

• Memory is not explicitly addressed by the theory; "learning" and "knowledge" is the common vernacular.
• To encourage ongoing learning, the learner needs to seek and foster connections.
• What one currently knows is less important that ones "capacity" to know more.

(Siemens,2018)

Sociocultural

Major characteristics

• Culture. A learner's development is directly related to the development of their culture. One's historical culture or background plays an important role in development.
• Language. A learner's development follows the three consecutive stages of language: social speech, private speech, inner speech
• Zone of Proximal Development. (ZPD) Where "distance" between a learner functioning independently and a learner succeeding with assistance.

(Cherry, 2022) (Pappas, 2014)

Connectivism

Major characteristics

• Knowledge is composed of connection with the diverse ideas of others.
• Technology promotes people's ability to learn and share knowledge particularly through the web.
• Knowledge is growing at a rapid rate.

(Learning Theories, 2022) (Siemens, 2018)

Adult Learning

Learning

How learning occurs:

• Learning is self-directed.
• Through experiences or problem-solving.
• Needs to be and feel relevant to learner.

Types of learning that occurs:

• Practical and applicable learning occurs with "immediate value."

(Bouchrika, 2023) (Culatta, 2023)

Adult Learning

The role of memory

Memory retention increases likelihood the more relevant material or experience is to learner. Adult learning is self-directed therefore learner is charge of memories attained.

Sociocultural

Learning

How learning occurs

• Learning is a social process.
• Observations and interactions of those skilled aids in learning.
• Learning occurs in the Zone of Proximal development.

Types of learning that occurs

• Social learning and performance of knowledge
• Scaffolding: learning occurring with supports and reflection

(Polly, 2018)