Learning Theories

Learning theories

Daisy Calleros-- EDU 522

Behaviorism

Theorists:

• - John Watson: American psychologist
• -BF Skinner: A psychologist who established the theory of operant conditioning (Clark,2018).

Major Characteristics:

• learning was based on what was observable or measurable (Ornstein, 2017)
• all behavior is described scientifically (Gould, 2021)
• learn through active engagement (Clark, K., 2018)

Role of Memory

• stimuli in external environment
• focuses on how students learn through their interactions

How does learning occur?

• direct instruction
• positive reinforcement (Ornstein, 2017)

Types of learning

• using flashcards
• interaction with environment
• direct instruction

Cognitivism

Theorists:

• - Jean Piaget: stages of cognitive development (Clark, K., 2018)
• -Gagné: conditions of learning (Clark, K.,2018)
• -Montessori: pedagogist (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016)

Major Characteristics:

• internal mental process (Goulde, M., 2021)
• focuses on how information is obtained.
• emphasizes a role of mental activites such as thinking, remembering, perceiving, reasoning (Clark, K., 2018)

Role of Memory

• stimuli in external environment
• focuses on long term vs short term memory (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016)

How does learning occur?

• learning occurs from thinknig
• active participation (Clark, K., 2018)
• from observation

Types of learning

• critical thinking
• problem solving (Clark, K., 2018)

Constructivism

Theorists:

• -Lev Vygotsky: worked with social development theory

• Jean Piaget: stages of cognitive development (Clark, K., 2018)
• -John Dewey

Major Characteristics:

• knoweldge is constructed and not observed(Clark, K., 2018)
• focuses on the nature of knowledge and learning (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016)
• learners participate in learning and understanding (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016)

Role of Memory

• learners are more willing to retain and understand information if it is meaningful to them
• critical thinking
• able to combine new information with experiences (Clark, K., 2018)

How does learning occur?

• learning occurs from past experiences
• through groups and social activities (Clark, K., 2018)

Types of learning

• collaborative learning (Clark, K., 2018)
• critical thinking