Learning Theories

Learning Theories

• George Siemens and Stephen Downes are the major theorists of connectivism. They focus on the importance of technology in the learning process and the quick speed of information available to students. Siemens focuses more on the social aspects of connectivism, while Downes focuses on machine-based learning (Western Governors University, 2021).
• Connectivism utilizes technology as a tool for students to combine information, to collaborate within a group, and to learn more about the world around them. This theory focuses on learning with nodes and links, where knowledge comes from connections of information in a network (Western Governors University, 2021).
• While memory does not play a large role in the connectivism learning theory, learners make connections between new information gained and prior knowledge. Due to constantly changing information from digital sources, new knowledge is stored in memory, but is constantly changing with new connections (Kop & Hill, 2008).
• In connectivism, students have the responsibility to create their own learning experience and make connections with new knowledge. Learning occurs through digital learning, including social media, gamification, and simulations (Western Governors University, 2021).
• In a connectivist classroom, collaborative learning takes place, where students connect and share ideas through a collaborative process (Western Governors University, 2021). Students share their learning through network connections, and learners have to discern between reliable information and inaccurate information with higher order thinking skills (Kropf, 2013).

Connectivism

Sociocultural

• Lev Vygotsky, who is a cognitive theorist, focused on the sociocultural theory of cognitive development. His theory is a form of social constructivism in that cognition occurs with social interactions (Mcleod, 2023).
• Cultural and social factors influence cognitive development in children. Social language is developed in early childhood and language helps drive cognitive development (Mcleod, 2023).
• When children interact with the sociocultural environment, their mental functions, such as memory, are developed into higher mental functions. Children learn memory strategies, known as intellectual adaptation tools, from their culture (Mcleod, 2023).
• Children learn cultural values, beliefs, and problem-solving strategies from interactions with more knowledgeable others in their community. Through their zone of proximal development, the gap between actual development and potential development, students learn what they can accomplish with guidance from others (Mcleod, 2023).
• Collaborative learning, cooperative learning, dialogue with scaffolding, and reciprocal teaching help students learn. Peer interaction and cooperative learning take place in a sociocultural classroom. Challenging tasks, within the zone of proximal development, help students achieve cognitive growth (Mcleod, 2023).

• Malcolm Knowles is the major theorist of adult learning theory, also known as andragogy (New England Institute of Technology, 2021).
• The main characteristics of adult learning theory include assumptions of adult learners revolving around self-directed learning, past experiences, readiness to learn, problem-based learning, and internal motivation (New England Institute of Technology, 2021).
• Adult learners retain information when they find it relevant to their interests. Adults learn by connecting prior experiences and knowledge to new information, instead of simple memorization (Kurt, 2020).
• Adult learners solve real-world problems as they learn and seek immediate application of the information they learn to their job or interests in their lives (Kurt, 2020).
• Adult learning theory suggests incorporating cooperative learning in the classroom with learning goals that are based on the interests of the adult learners. Adult learners are self-directed and therefore are active participants in seeking the information and strategies needed to achieve their own learning goals (Kurt, 2020).

Adult Learning Theory