Learning Theories Part II

Learning Theories Part II

Major Theorists

Major Theorists

Connectivism Learning Theory

Sociocultural Learning Theory

Characteristics

Characteristics

Role of Memory

Role of Memory

How Learning Occurs

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Types of Learning

Adult Learning Theory

Major Theorists

Role of Memory

Characteristics

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

References

Brieger, E., Arghode, V., & McLean, G. (2020). Connecting theory and practice: reviewing six learning theories to inform online instruction. European Journal of Training and Development 44(4/5). 321-339. https://www-emerald- com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/insight/content/doi/10.1108/EJTD-07-2019-0116/full/html Cherry, K. (2022). What is sociocultural theory? Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-sociocultural-theory-2795088 Morano, S. (2019). Retrieval practice for retention and transfer. Teaching Exceptional Children, 51(6), 436–444. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/0040059919847210 Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Pearson. Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal for Instructional Technology & Distance Learning. (2)1. http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm Tweedell, C. (2000). A theory of adult learning and implications for practice. ERIC. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED446702 Western Governors University. (2020). 10 simple principles of adult learning. WGU Blog. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/adult-learning-theories-principles2004.html Western Governors University. (2021). Connectivism learning theory. WGU Blog. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/connectivism-learning-theory2105.html#close

Connectivism is built around the theory that technology is a major part of today's learning process. Online projects like Canva, Popplet, or even a Genial.ly to represent what students have learned is a great way to incorporate technology. Having a discussion board for students to bounce ideas and questions back and forth between each other. Having students participate in digital collaborative activities such as digital breakout rooms or problem-solving are great for connectivist theory (Siemens, 2005).

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

Two important terms were derived from connectivism - "nodes" and "links". The students are the nodes within a network. Nodes can connect to each other and other resources. For example a student can connect themselves to a book or website that they've referenced or used. They can then share this information with another student. This forms a link. The connections between Nodes which then form Links is how learning occurs in connectivism (Western Governors University, 2021).

How Learning Occurs

When adults return to school to learn to information, they are learning differently than when they were children. The climate for learning must be set in place. Adults need to know learning expectations. Ensure objectives are provided so adults know what they are learning. Create a pattern of learning - the assignments may change, but expectations should be routine. Teachers should still oversee the learning experience, including grading work, but the adult learner is essentially responsible for what learning takes place (Tweedell, 2000).

Major Theorist

Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) was a Russian educator and psychologist who believed children cognitively develop through socialization, play, and interaction with others from an early start. He is also credited with developing the Zone of Proximal Development.

Major TheoristS

George Siemens Focuses on the social aspects of connectivism

Stephen Downes Focuses on non-human appliances and machine-based learning

(Western Governors University, 2021)

The Role of Memory

The more patterns a learner has within their digital network, the better their chances are at having access to more resources for recall. With connectivism, networking is key (Siemens, 2005).

The Role of Memory

As with learning, students must be exposed socially to learn how to recall. Memory function occurs in the student the more often they see others recall past experiences. The students essentially learn by mimicking what they see others do who are more skilled than they are, even when it comes to memory (Cherry, 2022).

Role of Memory

With adult learners, we're dealing with a completely different type of learning group. The brain has already matured, experiences and culture has shaped how that person interprets and processes new information (Cherry, 2022). Adult learners are responsible for how they process information as adults. If they struggled with memory as a child and never recevied interventions for it, it may be time to see a doctor or they can use memory strategies such as chunking information (Morano, 2019).

How Learning Occurs

Learning occurs through social interactions. Students take in what they see from their parents, friends, and teachers, and process what they see based on their zone of proximal development (Cherry, 2022).

Types of Learning

• Teachers need to make sure they understand a student's Zone of Proximal Development.
• Differentiating student groups for any activity will be helpful for learners.
• Scaffolding, using hints and probes, and different learning games to allow students to practice skills to succeed would be very helpful (Cherry, 2022).

Major Theorist

Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997) was an American educator who was well known for andragogy, or adult learning.

Characteristics

Adults learn very different in comparison to children, especially in terms of motivation, how meaningful it is to them, and how they apply it to their own education (Western Governors University, 2020). With adult learners, the roles are reversed because the adult should be aware of how they learn when pursuing trades or a higher degree as an adult student.

Types of Learning

Help learners set goals (having a calendar with all due dates available is helpful), offer a project-based curriculum, provide information that is relevant, learning should be problem-centered where adults use real-world problems their familiar with to facilitate learning (Western Governors University, 2020).

Characteristics

• Relies heavily on technology.
• Connectivists believe that students should combine their thoughts and ideas they have learned via technology to promote connectedness and collaboration.
• Learning responsibilities shift from the teacher to the learner.
• Encourages the use of blogs and social media to learn through viewpoints other than our own.
• (Western Governors University, 2021)

Characterisitics

• Vygotsky believed that how a person develops relies on much more than just what they see or hear. He believe it had mostly to do with social and cultural interactions, including parents, teachers or caregivers, friends and peers, and what is taught within the student's culture makes a difference (Cherry, 2022).
• How we function cognitively is based on what we learn from those around us who are more skilled than us (Cherry, 2022).
• Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development - This encompasses the things that a student cannot do on their own, but CAN do with the proper supports in place (Cherry, 2022).