Learning Theories

Behaviorism

Constructivism

Cognitivism

Learning Theories

By: Jerri Klister

Behaviorism

Behaviorist learning theory is due to two people, John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. John B. Watson focused on the study of human behavior whereas B.K. Skinner believed that consequences of a behaviors result impacst whether the behavior is repeated or not (Belford, 2013).

Characteristics

Role of Memory

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Cognitivism

Jean Piaget is one of the major theorists of the cognitivist theory, emphasizes the importance of internal mental processes, such as how things are perceived, memory, and problem-solving in learning. This suggests that the processing of information and cognitive restructuring result in a better understanding of new information learned (Gandhi & Mukherji, 2022).

Characteristics

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Role in Memory

Constructivism

Constructivism is a learning theory is where learners construct their own knowledge and understanding of the world through experiences and interactions. Lev Vygotsky was a major theorist in this field, focusing on the importance of interactions shaping learners’ knowledge and development (Shah, 2019).

Roles of Memory

Characteristics

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

References

Belford, R. E. (2013). Review of Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective, 6th EditionLearning Theories: An Educational Perspective, 6th edition by Dale H.Schunk. Pearson: Boston, MA, 2012. pp 561. ISBN Number: 079-0137071951. Journal of Chemical Education, 90(2), 150–151. https://doi.org/10.1021/ed300874q Gandhi, M. H., & Mukherji, P. (2022). Learning Theories. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562189/ Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354 Peters-Burton, E. E. (2016). Application of Learning Theory to Curriculum and Instruction Design. School Science & Mathematics, 116(8), 409–410. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/ssm.12200 Shah, K. R. (2019). Effective Constructivist Teaching Learning in the Classroom. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED598340.pdf Talkhabi, M., & Nouri, A. (2012). Foundations of cognitive education: Issues and opportunities. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 32, 385–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.01.058 Zhou, M., & Brown, D. (2015). Educational Learning Theories: 2nd Edition. https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=education-textbooks

Characteristics:

The cognitivism learning theory is where learners build their own understanding and knowledge through their experiences and interactions. This promotes problem-solving and collaboration with others to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

Cognitivism:

Theorist- Characteristics: Role of Memory-

Characteristics:

The behaviorism theory focuses on positive and negative reinforcement. This theory focuses on positive reinforcement with rewards promoting a continuation of a positive behavior. (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

Characteristics:

Constructivism theory is where individuals constantly enhance their understanding through experiences and reflection. It is a social activity that occurs most through collaboration and peer-to-peer discussions allowing learners to share diverse experiences and build meaning with the help of peers and instructors (Shah, 2019).

Role of Memory:

Memory plays a crucial role in behaviorism learning theory by providing opportunities for retention and formation between stimuli and responses. It enables reinforcement or punishment to mold behaviors . Through repetition and practice one can remember appropriate behaviors when rewarded and repeate that given behavior in hopes of a reward again (Zhou & Brown, 2015).

Types of Learning:

Constructivism learning theory focuses on learners ability to create their own understanding through experiences. Collaborative and hands-on learning with problem-based learning leads to opportunities for learners to share and discuss old and new findings to solve a problem, which improves overall understanding of content (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

How learning occurs:

The process of learning involves the active building of knowledge during collaboration with peers to develop and expand their comprehension of new concepts and ideas (Shah, 2019).

Role of Memory:

Memory helps learners draw on their existing knowledge and experiences to make connections with new information during social interactions, which assists in storing that information in their long-term memory (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

How Learning Occurs:

Observable behaviors are learned through rewards, punishments, and imitations. The learning process includes classical conditioning, where associations between stimuli are formed, operant conditioning, where consequences shape behaviors, and observational learning where behaviors are modified through imitation towards desired outcomes (Zhou & Brown, 2015).

Types of Learning:

Some types of learning in the classroom that support behaviorism learning theory include repetivie drill and practice, direct instruction, modeling, positive reinforcement like stickers, negative reinforcement, and cooperative learning. These strategies involve repetition, demonstration, peer interactions, and reinforcement to encourage and discourage behaviors (Peters-Burton, 2016).

Types of Learning:

Cognitivism theory suggests that learning is a mental process. Practicing this includes direct instruction, self-directed learning, hands-on learning, collaborative learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. These learning types provide opportunities to collaborate to share ideas, build upon old knowledge, and create new findings through exploration (Belford, 2013).

Role of Memory:

Memory is necessary for cognitivism because it is where learners store and retrieve information. It plays a large role in learning and retention by helping enhance memory strategies that build upon old and new information learned (Belford, 2013).

How Learning Occurs:

The process of learning involves processing information and cognitive understanding. By organizing and connecting new information with existing knowledge, learners can create meaning and knowledge. Cognitivism includes attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving (Talkhabi & Nouri, 2012).

Constructivism

Theorist- Characteristics: Role of Memory-