Learning Theories Part 2

Learning Theories Part 2

Cameron Baumgardner

Grand Canyon UniversityEDU-522 Curriculum Design Theories Mary McKone October2nd, 2024

References

Learning Theories

Connectivism

Sociocultural

Adult Learning Theory

Role of Memory

Characteristics

Connectivism

How Learning Occurs:

ILearning occurs when individuals interact through different networks online, which can be through social media, blog post, research, online courses, and different data bases (Kropf, 2013).

Major Theorists

George Siemens is the founder of this modern-day learning theory. He has theorized that present day learning takes place through netwoerk connections, like what can be found online or through social media or online classrooms where people share their knowledge, opinions, ideas, and interests (Kropf, 2013).

Role of Memory

Characteristics

Sociocultural

How Learning Occurs:

Mostly occurs through social connection and collaboration. It is important to note that this does not mean a disreagrd a cognitive, well sturctured appraoch to providing instruction, but rather to enhance it add on touches of a socialcultural approach ny increasing student talk and collaboration among learners (Mercer & Howe, 2021).

Major Theorists

Lev Vygotsky who believed that socialization with parents, teachers, peers, and society as a whole was responsible for higher order thinking and language development (Mercer & Howe, 2021).

Role of Memory

Characteristics

Adult Learning Theory

How Learning Occurs:

Learners are given a task and are aksed to conduct research and discover or gain knowledge on their own. Learners are provided stimuli, like in the behaviorist appraoch, and are given response through formative feedback.

Major Theorists

Malcolm Shepherd Knowles developed the adult learning thoery which is that art and science of adult learning (Pappas, 2013).

References

Kropf, D. (2013). Connectivism: 21st century's new learning theory. Mercer, N., & Howe, C. (2012). Explaining the Dialogic Process of Teaching and Learning: The Value and Potential of Sociocultural Theory. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 1, 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2012.03.001 Pappas, C. (2013, January 1). The adult learning theory -andragogy -of malcolm knowleselearning industry. Elearningindustry.com. http://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles

One of the main characteristics is that there is an increase in higher level thinking skills that take place when individual must determine whether ther informationthat come across is reliable (Kropf, 2013). Today students have access to a massive amount of technology that exposes them to various knowledge bases, with this they are becoming increasingly knowledgable and certainly learning through scoial connection online. The main idea behing connectivism is that learners can achieve higher order thinking skills in a world that is constantly changing.

Very similar to what takes place in the constructivist learning theory, being that the memorization of information or facts is somewhat irrelevant becuase knowledge and information is adaptive and constantly changing. More focus is placed on learner's ability to interpret and elaborate on information they are provided, as new information is processes, memory evolves. The processing of new information, using background knowledge, and experiences can be directly relates to cognitivism in that learners are making connections in a similar way.

Typers of learning that are occurring are vast, as there are numerous connections and resources for learners to interact with. The three main types of learning that are being conducted are social networks, virtual reality learning platforms, and online classrooms (Kropf, 2013).

One of the main characteristics is that learning happns socially when learners are in specific groups or collaborating with one another (Mercer & Howe, 2021). Focuses on how learners are impacted by social interactions that place in any given learning environment and how those interactions effect the learner's ability to develop knowledge. Emphasizes the role of talk in the classroom and how collaborative learning can enhance learner's ability to achieve higher order thinking (Mercer & Howe, 2021).

Backgroung information is still essential to acquiring new knowledge, however this background inforamtion is more easily recalled by the learner if they are engaged in social interaction.

The types of learning associated are cooperative or collaboration and group work. The focus is on student talk and collaboration in a learning environment (Mercer & Howe, 2021) and this is where higher order levels of thinking are best achieved.

Adults are in the possession of a forever growing toolbox of background knowledge that stems from experiencem this is and of itself, provides a valuable resource of new knowledge development.

The four characteristics are self-concept, adult learner experience, readiness to learn, orientation to learning, and motivation to learn (Pappas, 2013). Adult learners are internally motivated, self- directed learners who have the foundations to learn, and problem solve at high levels of thinking.

Self- directed learning which enables the learner to doscover new knowledge on their own with out leaning on heavy guidance of an instructor (Pappas, 2013).