Learning Theories Interactive Image

Rebecca Step hens

Learning theories

Constructivism

Behaviorism

Cognitivism

Behaviorism

Learning Theory developed by B.F. Skinner

Behaviorism is a learning theory that relies on external stimulus to encourage or surpress behaviors. Operant conditioning is the formal method of using stimulus to influence a behavior. In education behaviorism can look like:

• A reward system in a classroom to encourage positive classroom conduct.
• Cues to signal behaviors to present themselves.
• Punishments to discourage negative behavior

Constructivism

Learning Theory developed by Jean Piaget

Constructivism is a learning theory that takes in new infromation and adds it to already known information. Knowledge changes based on what is experienced. For example, a child touches a cold stove one time and then the next time the touch it, it's hot. New information changed their thinking. Learning strategies in constructivism could be:

• Refelction and revising before, during and after an assignment.
• Creating mental maps.
• Project-based learning.

Cogntivism

Learning Theory developed by Jean Piaget

Cognitivism is a learning theory that focuses on the mental process of learning. Individuals' schema or mental models are built through experience and reflection. This particular learning theory is put into practice through active thinking startegies. In the classroom it can be:

• Reflection questions.
• Rewriting the steps to solve a problem.

• Modeling thinking through how to do something.