Learning Theories Part 1

Cognitivism

Behaviorism

Constructivism

Cognitivism Theorists

Behaviorism Theorists

Constructivism Theorists

Jean Piaget

B.F. Skinner

Lev Vygotsky

Part 1

Learning Theories

Jeanine Michel GCU: EDU - 522 Curriculum Design Theories Dr. Diann Richardson January 31, 2024

References

Andreev, I. (2023, June 17). Cognitive learning. Valamis. https://www.valamis.com/hub/cognitive-learning Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354 Western Governor's University. (2020, May 27). What is constructivism? WGU. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html Western Governor's University. (2020, May 28). What is the behavioral learning theory? WGU. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html

Role of Memory:

• Memory is a collection of learned behaviors acquired through repetition and reinforcement.
• Stimuli in the external environment will produce skill development and training (WGU, 2020).

How Learning Occurs:

• Learning occurs through the establishment of associations between stimuli and responses.
• Positive and negative reinforcement strengthen or weaken behaviors.
• Teachers who reward students with a special event or item for good behavior stimulate the learner to retain that practice (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

Types of Learning:

• Skill acquisition and behavior modification are well-explained by behaviorism.
• Rote memorization and procedural learning are emphasized.
• Teachers can implement behaviorist teaching strategies, including drills, question and answer, guided practice, review, and positive reinforcement (WGU, 2020).

Behaviorism

Prominent Theorist: B.F. Skinner, Edward Thorndike, J.B. Watson, and Ivan Pavlov are significant figures associated with behaviorism.Major Characteristics:

• Focuses on observable behaviors.
• Learning is a result of responses to stimuli and reinforcement.
• External factors shape behavior, and the environment plays a key role.
• Emphasizes conditioning, both classical (Pavlovian) and operant (Skinnerian).

Constructivism

References:

Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354 Western Governor's University. (2020, May 27). What is constructivism? WGU. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html

Role of Memory:

• Memory is seen as an active process that involves constructing meaning.
• Emphasis on meaningful learning experiences and context (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

How Learning Occurs:

• Learning occurs through active engagement, exploration, and reflection.
• PBL, collaboration, clinics, and simulations are learning methods.
• Social interaction and cooperation with others are vital (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

Types of Learning:

• Problem-based learning, project-based learning, and discovery learning align with constructivism.
• Learning through real-world applications and situated contexts (WGU, 2020).

Constructivism

Prominent Theorists: Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Jerome Bruner are associated with constructivism.Major Characteristics:

• Focuses on the active construction of knowledge by learners.
• Learning is a social and collaborative process.
• Emphasizes the importance of prior knowledge and experiences.
• Learning is contextual and situated within meaningful tasks (WGU, 2020).

Behaviorism

References:

Western Governor's University. (2020, May 28). What is the behavioral learning theory? WGU.https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354

Cognitivism

References:

Andreev, I. (2023, June 17). Cognitive learning. Valamis. https://www.valamis.com/hub/cognitive-learning Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354

Role of Memory:

• Memory is considered a central component of cognitive processing and learning.
• Short-term and long-term memory systems are explored(Andreev, 2023).

How Learning Occurs:

• Learning occurs through mental processes like attention, perception, and memory.
• Prior knowledge and schema are crucial in understanding new information (Andreev, 2023).
• Flash cards, corrective feedback, and concept mapping are learning methods.

Types of Learning:

• Conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving align well with cognitivism.
• Complex learning tasks involve mental manipulation of information (Andreev, 2023).
• The following are various examples of learning: explicit, implicit, collaborative, emotional, experiential, and observational.

Cognitivism

Prominent Theorists: Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky are major figures associated with cognitivism.Major Characteristics:

• Focuses on mental processes like memory, thinking, and problem-solving.
• Emphasizes the internal processing of information.
• Views learning as an active mental activity.
• Developmental stages play a crucial role in cognitive growth (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).