Learning Theories Part 2 Mind Map

Learning Theories Mind Map

Learning

Theorist and Characteristcs

Theorist and Characteristics

Memory

Memory

Learning

Memory

Learning

Learning Theories

Adult Learning Theory

Sociocultural

Connectivism

Theorist and Characteristics

The role of the memory in the sociocultural theory is really to focus mainly on social interactions. This can include internalizations, as well as higher mental functioning. Memory skills develop, as well as memory strategies.

"Within connectivism, learning occurs when peers are connected and share opinions, viewpoints, and ideas through a collaborative process". (Corbet & Spinello, 2020). Learning occurs when others meet together. They share information which can be considered connecting nodes. Storage of knowledge can occur as well as dissemination when technology is used. This can mean the use of all different types of software that help you acquire knowledge.

The theorist of the sociocultural learning theory is psychologist Lev Vygotsky. "Within the sociocultural theory, the concepts of zone of proximal development (ZPD), scaffolding, and self-efficacy are particularly relevant". These are just a few characteristics that the sociocultural theory presents (Peer & McClendon, 2002). The Sociocultural learning theory focuses a lot on learning through social interaction this means with other peers, parents, and teachers. The Zone of Proximal Development is another focus of the sociocultural theory. This is the focus of the gap between how someone learns independantly and how they learn with help or guidence form someone else who is knowledgeable. The sociocultural theory also can focus on collaborative learning this involves working on problem solving skills or other various activities with other knowledgeable people.

In this theory, learning outcomes begin to shape more due to it being so culturally responsive and social interactions being one of the main focuses. Collaborative processes also occur for learning due to a lot of social interaction with peers. Internalization as well as scaffolding are also seen in this theory to help learning outcomes.

This specific learning theory really focuses on externalization of learning. This is where you get information not all from inside of your brain but also from outside of your brain. This is in the form of computers, networks, digital tools, like the internet or social media. Connectivism is very adative depending on the source of information your memory changes as connections learned change.

The theorist of the adult learning theory is Malcolm Knowles. This theory focuses its study mainly on how adults learn and how it is different than how children learn. Some characteristics of this theory include respect, readiness to learn, self-directed learning, and practical orientation. All of these focus on adults and how they apply themselves in everyday lives and what they do. Adults are eager to work and be skillful. They are very much motivated by their own goals and growths. They apply the skills they learn to their everyday lives. Life experiences are used to help with learning. " This focus sets adult education apart from traditional teaching methods, offering a distinctive and effective framework for the educational development of adult learners"(Feder, 2024).

In the adult learning theory, the learning types included andragogy. This is when they have accumulated various experiences that help boost their knowledge, are independent and self-sufficient in learning, are motivated by internal factors, not external ones, and are interested in applying knowledge immediately. (Merriam, 2001)

In this learning theory, the learner becomes more interested and motivated. They use prior knowledge to help with learning and this is knowledge that was retained and stored in the brain. They use prior knowledge and experiences they have had to help learning and memory. Old information is integrated with new information to help support learning. Memory retention can be enhanced in this theory due to techniques or activities like visual aids, repetition and active learning.

The theorist who created the theory of connectivism was George Siemens, a Canadian professor of psychology. Another philosopher from Canada named Stephen Downes helped with this theory too. A few characteristics of this learning theory include critical thinking, the digital age, and learning by making connections. In this theory, technology is an important part of it. The use of technology is one of the most important aspects. "This might include incorporating a range of platforms and tools, from online courses and webinars to social networks and generative AI applications"(Kurt, 2023). The use of technology provides a diverse way of learning using technology as a main resource. This not only differentiates learning but also helps learners who struggle even behaviorally.