MD Learning Theories P. 1

Learning Theories Part I

Behaviorism

Behaviorism posits that learning is a change in observable behavior achieved through conditioning, emphasizing reinforcement and punishment as key factors in driving behavioral changes.

Michael Decker

Cognitivism

Cognitivism focuses on the internal mental processes of the mind, theorizing that learning occurs through information processing, where learners actively construct their understanding through cognitive restructuring and internal schema.

Constructivism

College of Education, Grand Canyon University EDU-522: Curriculum Design Theories Dr. Tricia Thirey June 19, 2024

Constructivism suggests that learners construct knowledge through active engagement in real-world experiences, emphasizing the importance of cultural and social contexts in shaping cognitive development and understanding.

Behaviorism

• Major Theorist: B.F. Skinner was a major theorist for behaviorism, particularly for his development of operant conditioning, which is a key component of the behavioral perspective. Pavlov and Watson were two other contributors.
• Major Characteristics:
• Focuses on observable and measurable behaviors and the effects of external stimuli on learning (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017; Gould, 2021).
• Emphasizes conditioning and the use of reinforcement to shape and modify behaviors (Gould, 2021).
• Behavior is learned through interactions with the environment (Peters-Burton, 2016).
• Role of Memory:
• Seen as the development of associations between stimuli and responses, primarily through conditioning processes (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017; Gould, 2021).
• Memory is viewed as the formation of habits through repetition and reinforcement (Peters-Burton, 2016).
• How Learning Occurs:
• Through the use of reinforcement and punishment to establish and strengthen behavior patterns (Gould, 2021).
• Classical Conditioning (Pavlov): Learning through association (Peters-Burton, 2016).
• Operant Conditioning (Skinner): Learning through consequences (reinforcements and punishments) (Gould, 2021).

• Types of Learning Best Explained:
• Effective in settings that require response conditioning, such as in skill acquisition and rote memorization (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017).

• Simple associative learning such as habits and reflexes (Peters-Burton, 2016).

Cognitivism

• Major Theorist: Jean Piaget, noted for his theory on the stages of cognitive development​​. Jerome Bruner advanced cognitivism by introducing the concept of scaffolding in education.
• Major Characteristics:
• Emphasizes internal cognitive processes, including thinking, perception, memory, and problem-solving, which influence how information is understood and remembered (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017).
• Focuses on the inner mental activities – opening the “black box” of the human mind (Peters-Burton, 2016).
• Role of Memory:
• Considered an active and essential cognitive element where information is encoded, stored, and retrieved (Gould, 2021).
• Schema theory (Piaget) suggests that memory consists of organized units of knowledge (Peters-Burton, 2016).

• How Learning Occurs:
• Learning is seen as a process of internal organization of information, influenced by cognitive development and individual experiences (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017).
• Learners actively construct new knowledge by building upon their existing cognitive structures (schemata) (Peters-Burton, 2016).
• Types of Learning Best Explained:
• Particularly suitable for complex problem-solving and understanding systems that require deep cognitive involvement (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017; Gould, 2021).
• Academic learning that involves understanding and applying concepts (Peters-Burton, 2016).

Constructivism

• Major Theorist: Lev Vygotsky, who emphasized social interaction and cultural context in learning, contributing significantly to educational theories​.
• Major Characteristics:
• Focuses on learners constructing their own understanding and knowledge of the world, integrating new experiences with existing mental models ( Gould, 2021).
• Emphasizes the role of social interaction and culture in learning (Peters-Burton, 2016).

• Role of Memory:
• Viewed as a dynamic and contextually bound process, where learners create and adjust mental models based on new experiences and reflections (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017).
• Memory is an active process of reconstruction (Peters-Burton, 2016).

• How Learning Occurs:
• Through active engagement and the manipulation of objects, ideas, and artifacts within the learning environment (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2017).
• Learning involves active engagement, exploration, and interaction with the environment and others (Peters-Burton, 2016).

• Types of Learning Best Explained:
• Effective in explorative and inquiry-based learning environments, where learners actively participate in the learning process (Gould, 2021).
• Higher-order thinking skills and problem-solving in real-world contexts (Peters-Burton, 2016).

References

Gould, M. (2021). Learning Process. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2017). Curriculum: Foundations, Principles, and Issues (7th ed.). Pearson. Peters-Burton, E. E. (2016). Application of Learning Theory to Curriculum and Instruction Design. School Science & Mathematics, 116(8), 409–410. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/ssm.12200