Learning Theories

Learning Theories Part 1

Behaviorism, Cognitivism, & Constructivism

Megan Furtch September 4, 2024 Grand Canyon University EDU-522 Dr. Mary Webb

Behaviorism Learning Theory

Role of Memory

Theorist

• Edward Thorndike
• John B Watson
• B. Fredrick Skinner
• Ivan Pavalov

Classical conditiong and Operant conditioning discusses connectionism and organizing learning considering practice by itself does not strengthen memory or the transfer of leanring yet, an automatic or unconsious learning or the reward or punishment to increase or decrease the behavior.

How learning occurs and the best type of learning, explained by behaviorism?

Characteristics

• Learning happens through observations
• Behavior is the result of particular conditions
• Skinners approach suggests behavior can be shaped or modified and complicated ideas can be taught (Ornstein, 2017).

Learning occurs when there is a positive or negative reinforcement through direct instruction. Hierarchical Learning is presented by Robert Gagne' consisting of eight learning sets or behaviors, five behavioral operations, two either behavioral or cognitive and the last cognitive highest level of thinking (Ornstein, 2017).

Cognitivism Learning Theory

Theorists

• Jean Piaget
• Maria Montessori

• Lev Vygotsky

How learning occurs and the best type of learning, explained by behaviorism?

Characteristics

• Involves making connections focusing on the mental process of learning
• Cognitive development is described in term of stages

Learning occurs as we understand how thinking and behavior impact our thinking, as we process the information the brain collect the data, organize, and make sense of it (Cloke, 2024). Cognitivism shifted the learning theory into instructional theory using taxonomies that specify what mental processes depends on the various types of learning and use the taxonomy to identify the level of desired outcomes and ensure learning outcomes are measurable (Oyarzun, 2020).

Role of Memory

Cognitivism focuses on the role of memory, short-term and long-term memory within the learning process. With mention without memory cognitive functioning is not possible (Cloke, 2024).

Constructivism Learning Theory

Theorists

Characteristics

Role of Learning

• Addresses the nature of learning and knowledge
• Learners make meaning or understanding

• Lev Vygotsky
• Jean Piaget
• Jerome Bruner

Learners builds new knowledge from previous learning. Learners construct their knowledge through indvidual personal experience.

How learning occurs, and the best type of learning, explained by constructivism?

Constructivism is broken into social constuctivism and cognitive constructivism. Social interaction plays a significant role in the devlopment of cognition. Vygotsky suggested that cultural development first on the social level then on the individual level. Our experiences in the world aids the construction of new knowledge through excahnges of ideas with others (Oyarzun, 2020).

Reference

Cloke, H. (2024). Growth Engineering. Educational Insights: 12 Learning Theories That You Have to Know. https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/learning-theories/ Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2017). Curriculum (7th ed.). Pearson Education. Oyarzun, B., & Conklin, S. (2020). Learning theories. Design for Learning: Principles, Processes, and Praxis, EdTech Books.