Learning Theories: Part 2

The Role of Memory

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Major Theorist

Major Characteristics

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

The Role of Memory

Major Theorist

Major Characteristics

Types of Learning

How Learning Occurs

The Role of Memory

Major Characteristics

Major Theorist

CONNECTIVISM

ADULT LEARNING THEORY

SOCIALCULTURAL THEORY

Learning Theories - Part 2

Connectivism does not place a strong emphasis on memory as a key part of the learning process. It focuses more on the ability to make connections and access information across a network rather than relying on memorizing facts and information.

The Role of Memory in Connectivism

Adults learn best in many of the same ways as kids do. They learn through:

• Doing hands-on activities, simulations, and real-world projects where they can apply what they've learned..

• Taking charge of their own learning by setting their own goals, finding resources they need, and choosing how they want to learn.
• Working with others through group activities, discussions, and projects.
• Working to solve real world problems, reflecting on the results, and making improvements.

Types of Learning in Adult Learning Theory

There are many types of learning that can take place with socialcultural theory. 1. Collaborative learning where students interact with others to gather new insight. This includes joint problem-solving, group discussions, and cooperative activities where individuals work together to construct knowledge and solve problems. 2. Learning also happens as learners work alongside those at a higher level to learn from them and deepen their own level of thinking. 3. A hands-on approach is also helpful as learners make connections to artifacts based on prior knowledge.

Types of Learning in Socialcultural Theory

George Siemens (1970-Today)

In the early 21st century, researcher George Siemens and philosopher Stephen Downes introduced connectivism. In their approach, they explore how digital technology transforms learning. They explored how technological connections reshape the learning processe.

Memory plays a large role to the adult learning process:

1. Adults can pull from a lifetime of past experiences that serve help to create connections to new ideas they're learning.
2. With a problem-centered approach to learning, adults must be able to pull from their experiences to help with solving real-world problems.
3. Rrepetition is very important for turning new information into long-term memory for adults, while rote memorization isn't as effective.

The Role of Memory in Adult Learning Theory

Sociocultural learning emphasizes the creation of knowledge within social contexts. Memory enables individuals to remember the shared understandings, beliefs, and norms that emerge from their interactions with others. These structures then influence how individuals interpret new information and navigate social situations. It also emphasizes the use of artifacts to help with memory. This allows individuals to remember how to use these tools effectively and to retrieve relevant information stored within them.

The Role of Memory in Socialcultural Theory

Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997)

Knowles was an influential theorist in adult learning who studied at Harvard and University of Chicago. He developed the framework of Adult Learning Theory, otherwise known as Andragony, in the 1970s. He suggested that adults are self-guided learners who solve problems and draw from their life experiences as tools to learn. He believed that instead of just following what teachers say, adults play a big part in deciding what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. They have a say in what topics are covered and what they want to achieve from their learning.

In sociocultural learning, learning happens through social interactions to construct new knowledge and develop skills they might not have had before. Learning occurs through collaborating with their peers on all different levels to scaffold and further the depth of learning taking place.

How Learning Occurs in Socialcultural Theory

In Connectivism, learning occurs through connecting with diverse individuals, resources, and technology platforms. Learners gather information from various sources, evaluate the credibility and relevance of the information, and then take that information and organize to understand new concepts. Technology plays a huge role as people from all over the world from various backgrounds are able to learn from one another.

How Learning Occurs with Connectivism

Connectivism focuses on the belief that individuals no longer rely mainly on their own experiences to gain information. With so much digital information being accessible to learners, interacting with others can expanding a person's network of people and experiences they can learn from. Due to the vast amount of information available on the internet, learners must now use critical thinking skills to decide what to focus on.

Major Characteristics of Connectivism

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Adult Learning Theory focuses on beginning learning by identifying individuals' interests and involving them in inquiry alongside the teacher. It states that adults are driven to learn when they encounter needs and interests that learning can fulfill. It is more focused on the individual, with experience being the most valuable learning asset. It focuses on the importance of adults being self-guided, noting that differences between individuals become more pronounced with age.

Key Characteristics of Adult Learning Theory

Knowles' focused on the following assumptions for teachers who are working with adults. In order for learning to occur, teachers must:

• Establish a collaborative environment for learning
• Facilitate collaborative planning

• Conduct assessments to identify learner needs and interests
• Facilitate the creation of learning goals aligned with identified needs and interests
• Develop a series of activities to reach the objectives
• Implement the plan by choosing appropriate methods, materials, and resources
• Assess the effectiveness of the learning experience and reassess learning needs for future improvement

How Learning Occurs in Adult Learning Theory

Because Connectivism focuses so much on digital connections, learning can happen on digital discussion platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and other social networking sites. Learning can also happen through research of various sources published on the internet as learners then sift through information or interact with others from across the globe to share their insights.

Types of Learning in Connectivism

Other notable theoristis:

• Jerome Bruner introduced the concept of "scaffolding," to support learners as they engage in challenging tasks.
• John Dewey emphasized the importance of hands-on, real-world experiences in education. He believed that learning should be explored within meaningful social and cultural experiences, with an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking.

Lev Vygotsky (1898-1934)

Lev Vygotsky was a psychologist in Russia who began his studies after the Russian Revolution. He believed that our understanding of ourselves as individuals is t influenced by our interactions with others. The perception of ourselves is molded by our roles within society and the connections we have with others.

Sociocultural learning emphasizes collaborative learning environments where learners work together to construct knowledge, solve problems, and achieve shared goals. Vygotsky also introduced the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which refers to the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with the assistance of a more knowledgeable other. It focuses on how as learners engage in various collaborative tasks and absorb the benefits of teamwork, they gain fresh approaches and insights into both the world and cultural dynamics.

Major Characteristics of Socialcultural Theory