Learning Theory Part 1

1. Behaviorism

2. Cognitivism

3. Constructivism

Learning Theories Part 1

Syrina Cohen College of Education, Grand Canyon University Laura Schaffer-Metcalfe EDU-522 - Curriculum Design and Theories February 21, 2024

Definition of Behaviorism -Behaviorism can be explained as a theory where all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, and the conditioning happens with the interactions with the environment. The behaviors in this theory are learned based on the environment, and the factors that are inherited have a small influence on behavior. Ones actions and learning is shaped by environmental stimuli (Mcleod, 2014).Theorist1. John B. Watson - He was a U.S. psychologist who was the first person that made the theory of behaviorism popular. His most famous test to study behavior was the Little Albert experiment. Where a young child was conditioned to fear a small rat by using a loud noise to signal the timing of the arrival of the rat.2. Burrhus Fredric Skinner (B.F. Skinner) - He was an American psychologist and also behaviorist. He believed that human behavior is shaped by external reasons rather than internal thoughts and feelings. He also believed that certain behaviors are reinforced by rewards, which would allow for the same behavior to happen again. He was most known for giving operant conditioning its name, and inventing the Skinner Box. The Skinner Box had a rat that would press a level or button to get food, whenever it desired too.Behaviorism and MemoryWhen the reinforced behavior is repeated the behavior will start to decrease. Rewards and/or positive encouragement. For example, if a teacher rewards a student for their good behavior, this will then encourage the student to remember what they did in order to get the reward.Behaviorism and How Learning OccursLearning occurs when a response is demonstrated following a specific environmental stimulus. For example, if a student is shown a flash card with an equation '3+7=?', the student will respond with the answer '10'. The stimulus is the equation and the correct answer is the associated response (Ertmer, 2018).Behaviorism and Types of Learning1. Generalizing by defining and labeling concepts2. Discrimination, such as, being able to recall facts that were taught.

Definition of Cognitivism - is psychology learning that focuses on the human cognition. This theory concentrates on how ones mind organize, receives, saves, and recalls information. Theorist Jean Piaget - was a major contributor to cognitivism. His cognitive theory identified the stages children go through based on their age and stage of mental development. Cognitivism and Memory Memory plays an important role in cognitivism in the learning process. Learning takes place when information is stored in the memory and its is organized in a meaningful way. Teachers are instrumental for helping to assist student in organizing the information in an optimal way. Cognitivism and How Learning Occurs Cognitivism is how students acquires knowledge through thought and experiences. When the internal mental processes use prior knowledge in order to retrieve information. For learning to occur the student will have to be able to absorb information and solve problems. Their brains are like computers and can access information lie a file, then use the stored information to be able to create new learning and store it. If the new stored information is stored properly and permanently then learning has taken place. When a student is learning something new they use their prior knowledge to anchor the new information and then connect new information to it. Cognitivism and Types of Learning 1. Explicit - is pointing out facts and details that the students must learn 2. Implicit - providing many examples rather than pointing out the facts and examples 3. Meaningful - when personal concepts are an interest so that the concepts taught are meaningful and connects to the learner 4. Discovery - providing students with the tools they need to access information so they are able to discover themselves, or giving them a problem to solve while they are discovering evidence.

Definition - Constructivism is a theory that is based on observations about how people learn. People create their own knowledge and understanding of how the world works. Theorist 1. Jean Piaget - is known for his theories about the four stages of mental development (sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational) that occur from infancy to adulthood. 2. Lev. Vygotsky - was a psychologist that believed that the most effective way of learning does not come from students interacting with teachers, but their interactions with other students. Constructivism and Memory The ultimate goal of instruction is not to make sure students know particular facts, but rather they can elaborate and interpret information. Memory can be enhanced and/or improved through conversations with others regardless of their experiences (Ormrod, 2008). Constructivism and How Learning Occurs Encouraging students to use active techniques such as problem solving and experiments in order to create more knowledge. 1. Having the curriculum focus on big concepts, by starting with the whole concept and expanding to the different parts. 2. Interactive learning is taking place, and builds on what the student already knows. 3. The teacher engages in dialogue with students to help them construct their own knowledge. Constructivism and Types of Learning Teachers can ask questions and/or problems for students, then guide them to how to find the answers on their own. 1. Inquiry based - allowing students to come up with their own questions. 2. Allowing for multiple ways of expressing learning. 3. Collaborative learning - allowing and encouraging students to work in groups, and using each other as a means of resources.