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Learning Theory Part 2
Jennifer Blackman
Created on October 4, 2023
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Learning Theories
By: Jennifer Blackman
Learning Theories
Adult Learning Theory
Sociocultural
Connectivism
References
Sociocultural learning theory
Role of Memory
Major Theorists
Characteristics
How Learning Occurs
Types of Learning
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A major theorist associated with the sociocultural theory is Lev Vygotsky. He lived from 1896-1934.
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Characteristics
The socioculural learning theory is characterized by learning through socialization. Language is an important part of this theory. Children or learners learn best by what they observe around them. People learn best, according to this theory, by observing all that is going on around them, and then modeling what they've heard or seen. Culture can determines the language, actions, attitudes, values, religion, and even social class. All of these charactistics of the sociocultural learning theory play a role in what children retain, what they learn, and how they think and act (Loveless, 2023).
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What's the role of memory?
Sociocultural Theory of learning explains that our memory can be thought about as a working memory and a long term memory. When students, children, or learners observe the world or culture around them for long enough, these skills then begin to be imitated, which then moves these skills or learned behaviors into long term memory (Drew, 2023).
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How Learning occurs
It is understood within this theory that learning occurs through socialization and interaction. Learners learn from the people they are around such as: peers, caregivers, parents, and teachers. It is believed that a child's experience drives their cognitive development. Vygotsky explains learning in different zones. The I do, we do, you do teaching approach is an example of this idea. The proximal zone of development is the sweet spot of learning. This is the zone where the most learning takes place because the content is not too easy, nor too difficult (Loveless, 2023).
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Types of learning
guided learning
role play
modeling
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Connectivism learning theory
Role of Memory
Major Theorists
Characteristics
How Learning Occurs
Types of Learning
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Major theorists associated with the connectivism theory are George Siemens and Stephen Downes.
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Characteristics
Connectivism is a newer learning theory that is characterized by students creating their own learning experiences mostly through the use of technology. Students are able to connect their thinking, knowledge, curiosity, and overall learning through networking and the use of the internet. Learners are able to ask questions and find answers to almost every question immediately. This allows learners to be in charge of their learning, and not have to rely on teachers to deliver them information, but rather teachers to guide the learning. Group discussions and sharing of information is encouraged (WGU, 2021).
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What's the role of memory?
Connectivism Learning Theory does not put a great deal of thought or emphasis on memory. In this day and age, information can be found so easily, that storing it in our memory is not essential. It is believed that into the future, our ability to use and access our memory will weaken because it is not as necessary as it once was. For example, there is not so much a need to memorize directions and phone numbers. It is also important to have a flexible brain because information is constantly changing (WGU, 2021).
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How Learning occurs
Learning occurs through connections we make with what we already know and pairing that with information from the digital world. Learners have more ownership over their learning because there are so many ways to access information that students really don't have to rely on teachers to deliver all of the content they will learn. Teachers lead the way and give students tasks, but students are able to stretch their learning farther by networking, researching, learning and thinking about different perspectives, and making informed decisions (WGU, 2021).
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Types of learning
social media
simulations
glamification
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Adult learning theory
Role of Memory
Major Theorists
Characteristics
How Learning Occurs
Types of Learning
Back
A major theorist associated with the Adult Learning Theory is Malcolm Knowles. His work gained popularity in the 1980's.
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Characteristics
The Adult Learning Theory is characterized by its adult focus. Adults are typically choosing to learn which creates more of a sense of motivation. Adults may be learning in a trade school, college, internships, or apprenticeships. They might be learning for enjoyment, self-improvement, or a higher role in the work place. Adult learning is typically much more independent and self-guided. Adults are typically gaining more knowledge in an area that is interesting or relevant to them, so the connections are strong. Adult learning requires goal-setting, time management, and repetition (WGU, 2020).
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What's the role of memory?
Adults store learned skills or information in their long term memory after repetition and practice. It takes a bit longer for adults to store information because their brains are less flexible, but with continued hands on experiences and discussion, information will be stored in the person's memory bank (WGU, 2020)
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How Learning occurs
For adults, learning occurs more by doing than by sitting and receiving information in the form of a lecture. Adults who are seeking a higher education, wanting to learn a new skill or more about a particular topic are best retaining this new information when applying all of their senses. This will help an adult learner grasp the new concepts more successfully. Adult learners learn in a way that makes many connections to their already established life and to current events. There are already many life experiences to make connections to. Adult learners make their learning real and relevant (WGU, 2020)
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Types of learning
formal
non-formal
informal
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