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Learning Theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism

Annette Alfaro

Created on August 20, 2024

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Transcript

Learning Theories

Annette Alfaro EDU 522 Dr. Denise Stevens

Cognitivism

Behaviorism

Constructivism

Behaviorism

Major Characteristics

Major Theorist

Role of Memory

The behaviorism learning theory came to be through the work and contributions different theorist. These theorist include Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndlike, John Watson, Edwin Guthrie, BF Skinner (Clark, 2018a).

This theory does not place a lot importance on memory. Although the process of forming habits is part of the theory, it does not describe or explain how the memory of these habits is stored (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

Some of the major characteristics of the behaviorism theory include:

  • learning happens when a behavior or response is changed or happens more often,
  • emphasizes the stimuli and response relationship,
  • a need for reinforcement and consequences,
  • reinforcement is given when the desired response occurs,
  • a consequence is given as a result of an unchanged or undesired behavior or response (Ertmer & Newby, 2013) .

How Learning Occurs:

Types of learning best exlained by this theory:

Some of the types of learning best suited for this theory are:

  • instructional cues (attention getters, raising hands, procedures
  • practice: recalling facts (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

According to this theory, learning is a result of a desired outcome or response to stimuli in the learner's surroundings. When a desired outcome is reached, learning has happened (Ertmer & Newby, 2013) .

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Cognitivism

Major Characteristics

Major Theorist

Role of Memory

Since the cognitive processes are highly valued in the cognitivism theory, memory plays a vital role in learning. In this theory, it is believed that learning takes place as a result of storing learned information in an organized and meaningful way (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

This theory was developed through the work of many theorists, such as Edward Chase Tolman, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, and German Gestalt . However, Edward Told is considered to be the one of the driving forces in the movement towards this learning theory (Yilmaz, 2011).

Some of the major characteristics of the cognitivism theory include:

  • cognitive processes such as problem solving and making connections are highly valued
  • the individual plays an active role in the how knowledge is acquired and and organized
  • focuses on relating new information to old one (Yilmaz, 2011).

How Learning Occurs:

Types of learning best exlained by this theory:

Individuals learn when actively engaging with new ideas, or things around them. These learners then make connections to prior knowledge and try to piece it together in a meaningful way (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

Some of the types of learning best suited for this theory are activities that involve :

  • reasoning
  • problem solving
  • information processing (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

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Constructivism

Major Characteristics

Major Theorist

Role of Memory

The major theorists that contributed to the constructivism learning theory are Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and John Dewey. With their work, they laid the foundation for this theory (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2018).

Memory is not fixed but rather it is flexible and always developing. As new knowledge is formed and connections are made, memories can be changed or transformed (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

Some of the major characteristics of the constructivism theory include:

  • the individual as an active participant in their learning through interaction with the world
  • processing new information, making connections and creating meaning through their lived experiences
  • engagement in reflection about beliefs and views (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2018).

How Learning Occurs:

Types of learning best exlained by this theory:

Some of the types of learning best suited for this theory are:

  • research projects,
  • collaborative activities,
  • and problem-based learning (Clark, 2018b).

According to this theory, learning is constructed when the learner interacts with it's surroundings. Learners process new information by making connections and create meaning based on their experiences (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).

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