Learning Theories

Learning Theories

The framework for Curriculum and Instruction

Behaviorism

Info

Constructivism

Learning Theories

Cognitivism

Info

Info

Cognitivism

• The major theorists associated with Cognitivism: Piaget as well as Koffka, Kohler, Lewin, Ausubel, Bruner, Gagne
• Based on Cognitive development and the internal mental process of process of information, way things are perceived, and memory.
• Learning occurs through the structuralization of the inner cognitive being. Learning also occurs thtough a person's ability to focus and sustain concentration. Learning is about reasoning, problem solving and information processing.

• In education cognitivism is the development of skills that are learned better through educators structured content. A example of Cognitivism is Bruner’s spiral curriculum.
• Memory storage and organization is vital.
• This theory is based on age, intellegence, memory, and the skill of learning how to learn.

Behaviorism

• The major theorist associated with Behaviorism: Thorndike as well as Pavlov, Watson, Guthrie, Hull, Tolman, Skinner.
• Based on Behavioral objectives and change in behaviors.
• Learning occurs with from stimulation from the outside environment. The learning types that are best for behaviorism is observation learning and through hierarchical learning. An example of ways to learn through behaviorism is through repeated actions, verbal reinforcement and incentives
• In education behaviorism is responsible for producing positive changes in behavior.
• This theory is competency based.

Contructivism

• The major theorist associated with Constructivism: Vygotsky and Piaget.
• Based on learning through experiences and social interactions. This theory is based on knowledge and justification.
• Learning the learner takes their knowledge and applies it to new information.
• In education the individual is responsible for being engaged, active, and involved in order to learn. They must be aware of their cognitive processes.
• This theory is based on the individuals motivation to learn.