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Learning Theories Part 2

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Created on November 22, 2023

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Sociocultural

Learning Theory

Major Theorists

How Learning Occurs

Characteristics

Role of Memory

Types of Learning

Believed children learn by interacting with others

Believed social environment will impact a child's thinking and their thoughts
At 3 years old, a child's language and thought come together creating an internal dialogue
Scaffolding, Zone of Proximal Development, & More Knowledgable Other (Loveless, 2022)

Lev Vygotsky

1896-1934

Characteristics

Social interactions have a major effective on cognitive development

Different cultures vary in skills which can improve based on culture

A child can learn from someone who has more knowledge (more knowledgable other)

Children learn by interacting

Children gain knowledge by watching parents, teachers

Children imitate actions of adults

(Skidmore & Murakami, 2016)

Memory

Children imitate desired behavior and will repeat behavior which will be stored in working memory

To form memories, children observe others and store these memories in working memory

(Nelson, 2013)

Past experiences will connect with current memories that will be stored in long term memory for retrieval

Learners observe behavior which is transferred to working memory and stores in long term memory

Learning occurs through our social environment. Children build understanding by observing and imitating behavior from role models. The knowledge percieved by children has an impact on their thoughts and actions. Scaffolding is an important part of learning because it provides steps to help children internalize learning and become more independent (Skidmore & Murakami, 2016)

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Involvement in warm, inviting classroom climate

Interactions with friends and family

Collaboration and Teamwork

Discourse opportunities

Relationship building with peers and teacher

Connectivism

Learning Theory

Major Theorists

How Learning Occurs

Characteristics

Role of Memory

Types of Learning

George Siemens

Believed learning takes place with social interactions
Believed technology has changed the way we receive informaton
Developed the connectivism theory in 2005
Believed an individual's knowledge is forever changing because of influences like internet, social interactions
Learning can come from outside sources

(Jung, 2019)

1970- PRESENT

Stephen Downes

1959- PRESENT

Characteristics

(Underwood, 2016)

Knowledge is created through collaboration with social media, peers, and technology

Technology and online communities can enhance collabortation and connections

Learners share their own thoughts and ideas as they connect with others

Student is the facilitator

New information is always available and has influence on learners opinions and thoughts

The goal is for students to build deeper connections between their previous learning and learning available through technology findings

Memory

Our past memories help us make better decisions in the future

Our memories of our past decisions will help guide our learning and understanding for the future.

Decision making is a learning process that is a part of connectivism. Individuals must form decisions on what to learn and understand the meaning of the new information (Siemens, n.d.)

Memories can help guide positive decision making based on previous learning and experiences.

The cycle of learning in connectivism begins with a person's individual knowledge. A person's knowledge will pass onto organizations and back to the individual's knowledge. This cycle allows learners to keep up to date with their current field by continuing to build meaningful connections (Siemens, n.d.)

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Student as the facilitator learning opportunities

Group Projects

Project Based Learning

Service/ Community Learning

Online/Virtual networking experiences

Adult

Learning Theory

Major Theorists

How Learning Occurs

Characteristics

Role of Memory

Types of Learning

Knowles developed the theory of andragogy- helping adults learn
Explains how adults learn different from children
Developed the 5 assumptions of adult learners : self concept, learner experience, readiness to learn, orientation to learning, motivation to learn (Pappas, 2013)

Malcolm Knowles

1913-1997

Characteristics

Adults versus children are more dependent learners

Adults learn best when they are involved in their learning

Adults are more motivated for themselves versus children

Adults have more world experiences which helps increase thier knowledge

Adults are more eager to learn when they are learning about meaningful content in relation to their jobs

Adults view learning as current and they apply what they've learned right away

(Pappas, 2013)

Memory

Memories must go through working memory to long term memory to be stored for a longer period of time. Therefor, adults have the ability to store more memories.

Connections become stronger when pre exisitng memories or knowledge links with new memories

Neuron connections form synapses when new learning occurs in our brains

Adult learners have a wide range of memories in their brain. Therefor, the neural connections that are made can be stronger and more meaningful

If an adult doesn't have prior knowledge/memory of the new knowledge, it may be difficult to be stored in long term memory.

Adults learn by experience and being involved in their learning. Learning occurs most when adults are furthering their knowledge in relation to their career/education. Adults should be faced with opportunities where they can problem solve and apply what they've learned. Inquiry learning can help adults discover new knowledge (Pappas, 2013).

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Self directed learning

Neuroscience best practices

Experimental & project based learning

Inquiry based activities

Learning opportunities that includes enrichment

References Connectivism: A learning theory for today’s academic advising. NACADA. (n.d.). https://nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Academic-Advising-Today/View-Articles/Connectivism-A-Learning-Theory-for-Todays-Academic-Advising.aspx Jung, I. (2019). Open and distance education theory revisited : implications for the digital era. Springer. Loveless, B. (2022). 15 Learning Theories in Education (A Complete Summary). Education Corner. https://www.educationcorner.com/learning-theories-in-education/ Merriam. (2020). Learning In Adulthood :A comprehensive guide, fourth edition. JOHN WILEY and Sons. Nelson, Katherine. (2013). Sociocultural theories of memory development. 10.1002/9781118597705.ch5. Pappas, C. (2023, September 8). The adult learning theory - andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles Siemens, G. (2020). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. In A. Ottenbreit-Leftwich & R. Kimmons (Eds.), The K-12 Educational Technology Handbook. BYU Open Learning Network. https://open.byu.edu/k12handbook/connectivism Skidmore, D., & Murakami, K. (2016). Dialogic pedagogy :The importance of dialogue in teaching and learning (First ed.). Multilingual Matters.