Abigail Lobato - Learning Theories Part 1

Learning Theories Part 1

Abigail Lobato Grand Canyon University EDU - 522 Dr. Martin September 11, 2024

Behaviorism

Behaviorism is the learning theory that stresses "conditioning behavior and altering the environment to elicit selected responses from the learner" (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 96)

Characteristics:

• Learning occurs through observations.
• Response and behavior are connected, as in, response determines the behavior of the learner.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 96)

How Learning Occurs:

• When information taught is reinforced.
• Modeled, step-by-step instructions are provided.
• Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 96)

Types of Learning:

• Classical Conditioning: stimulus + response
• Operant Conditioning: "positive" + "negative" reinforcement
• Observantional Learning: behavior learned through observing

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, pp. 96-98)

Role of Memory:

• Through classical conditioning: relationship between a stimulus and response.
• Through observations made.
• The behavior is reliant on the response.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 96)

Major Theorists: Thorndike, Bruner, Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Bandura, and Gagne (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, pp. 96-100)

Cognitivism

Characteristics:

• Obtaining information is based upon a learner's developmental stage.
• Focus on how learners process, monitor, and manage their thinking in their information processing.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 104)

Types of Learning:

• Instruction should be meaningful and activate shema.
• Learners develop at different stages and rates.
• Learners have a variety of ways to listen and look at information, allowing them to build upon their knowledge until mastery.
• Emotional security in the learning environment is important.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, pp. 104-106)

Major Theorists:Montessori, Piaget, and Vygotsky (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, pp. 104-109)

Cognitivism emphasizes "more complex cognitive processes such as thinking, problem solving, language, concept formation and information processing" (Ertmer & Newsby, 2013, p. 50).

Role of Memory:

• Short-Term Memory: the process in which the brain decides if information is important and meaningful.
• Long-Term Memory: the process in which the brain stores and receives information.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 104)

How Learning Occurs: According to Clark (2018, p. 177) there are 9 conditions of learning: "gaining attention, informing learners of objectives, stimulating recall of prior learning, presenting the content, providing learning guidance, eliciting performance and practice, providing feedback, assessing performance, enhancing retention and transferring it to the job."

Constructivism

Role of Memory:

• Learner knowledge is built through the use of background (prior) knowledge and experience from the world.
• Learner is able to use their new knowledge to construct understanding to explain and relate with the world around them.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 113)

Major Theorists: Bruner, Piaget, Dewey (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 113)

Characteristics:

• Based upon the social interactions between learners.
• Problem-solving centered to allow for learner discovery.
• Knowledge is formed by the learner themself and cannot be transferred from the teacher.
• The teacher is the facilitator.

(Efgivia et al., 2021, p. 210)

How Learning Occurs:

• When students are active participants in their learning and cannot learn passively through copying the ideas and understandings of others (Ornstein & Hunkins 2016, p. 113).

• When learners are encouraged to access their prior knowledge.
• When learners collaborate with peers and apply their new learning on concept development.

(Efgivia et al., 2021, p.210)

Types of Learning:

• Learning is collaborative and cooperative.
• Learning is focused to elicit response from the students.
• Engages learners to interact with their world through technology, discovery, critical thinking, and creative thinking.

(Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, pp. 113-118)

"Constructivism addresses the nature of knowledge and the nature of learning" (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016, p. 113).

References

Clark, K. R. (2018). Learning theories: Cognitivism. Radiologic Technology, 90(2), 176–179. Efgivia, M. G., Rinanda, R. A., Suriyani, N., Hidayat, A., Maulana, I., & Budiarjo, A. (2021). Analysis of constructivism learning theory. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211020.032 Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (2013, January 1). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43–71. Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354