Learning Theories

Learning Theories

By Richard Lowe

Major Characteristics

Role of Memory

Major Theorist Associated

Behaviorism

How Learning Occurs

Learning Theories

By Richard Lowe

Major Characteristics

Role of Memory

Major Theorist Associated

Cognitivism

How Learning Occurs

Learning Theories

By Richard Lowe

Major Characteristics

Constructivism

Role of Memory

Major Theorist Associated

How Learning Occurs

Major Theorist Associated

Edward Thorndike: One of the first Americans to test the learning process experimentally and considered the founder of Behavioral Psychology. Developed three major laws of learning: Law of Readiness, Law of Exercise, and Law of Effect. Krapfl JE. Behaviorism and society. Behav Anal. 2016;39(1):123-9. doi:10.1007/s40614-016-0063-8

How Learning Occurs

Learning occurs through stimuli and consequences that shape the learner's behavior through Operant Conditioning. Operant Conditioning involves reinforcing or punishing behaviors based on their outcomes. Krapfl JE. Behaviorism and society. Behav Anal. 2016;39(1):123-9. doi:10.1007/s40614-016-0063-8

Behaviorist Theory

• Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, and conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment. Behaviorists believe that our actions are shaped by environmental stimuli.

Role of Memory

Memory is based on habits formed from reoccurring experiences. Use of punishment and reward can shape the learner’s development of certain habits. Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Major Characteristics

- Reinforcement Theory - Operant Conditioning - Classical Conditioning - Observational Learning and Modeling.

Major Theorist Associated

Maria Montessori: Maria Montessori (1870–1952), was a great pedagogist of the early 20th century, directed the Psychiatric Clinic at the University of Rome. Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

How Learning Occurs

The dynamics of learning, both cognitivism, which focuses on mental processes and internal structures, and behaviorism, which centers on observable behaviors shaped by external stimuli, underscore the crucial role played by environmental conditions. Cognitivism, in particular, explores how learners actively process information internally Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Cognitist Theory

The theory of cognitivism centers on how information is processed within the mind. It goes beyond observable behavior, emphasizing the internal mental processes that occur in learning.

Role of Memory

Memory, according to cognitivists, is one of the most crucial areas of interest, so the processes and conditions that enhance memory are key to the understanding of how we learn. Contrary to some study methods, cognitivists advocate for tasks like ‘retrieval practice’, where learners practice recalling information from memory, citing its effectiveness in improving memory and, consequently, allowing for better learning outcomes Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Major Characteristics

Knowledge for cognitivism is functional. Through it, you can develop plans and set goals, decreasing negative consequences. It focuses on the mental processes of learning and how these are stored in memory. They have a research base for the realization of scientific works. Different environmental conditions are part of the learning process. Explanations, examples and demonstrations form a guide for proper learning.

Role of Memory

In constructivist theory, memory is centered on prior knowledge. Rather than focusing on the retrieval of encoded schema, memories are created by connecting prior knowledge to current learning contexts. Constructs become more firmly rooted in memory when there is some teaching emphasis on the utilization of pre-existing knowledge. Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Major Theorist Associated

Jean William Fritz Piaget was a Swiss psychologist known for his work on child development. Piaget's theory of cognitive development and epistemological view are together called Genetic epistemology. Genetic epistemology is a field that studies the origins of knowledge. It was introduced by the psychologist Jean Piaget, who suggested that children go through a series of progressive stages in developing cognitive abilities. Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

How Learning Occurs

Constructivism uses learning with meaning that is created in experience. The mind filters input from the world to produce its own unique realityfor the individual. Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Constructist Theory

The theory of Constructivism addresses the nature of knowledge and the nature of learning. The learner themselves must internalize and understand the information to learn from it. Ornstein, A. C., &amp; Hunkins, F. P. (2017). <i>Curriculum</i> (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Major Characteristics

- Genetic epistemology - Personal Construct Theory - Post-Rationalist Cognitive Therapy