Learning Theories - Part 2

Learning Theories Part 2

By Amanda Stumfall

References

Sociocultural

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MajorTheorists

MajorCharacteristics

Role of Memory

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Connectivism

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MajorTheorists

MajorCharacteristics

Role of Memory

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Adult Learning Theory

Back to Home

MajorTheorists

MajorCharacteristics

Role of Memory

How Learning Occurs

Types of Learning

Major Theorists:The major theorist behind the sociocultural theory is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky was a Russian psychologist that emphasized the importance of social interactions, language, and culture in cognitive development (TeachThought, 2023). Vygotsky believed that learning occurs both socially and individually. First, learning happens between two people and then inside the individual (TeachThought, 2023). According to Vygotsky, learning occurs psychologically in this order.

Role of Memory:According to connectivism, learning is more important than simply knowing something. Surface level learning only requires memorization, whereas deep learning involves making connections. Nurturing and maintaining connections contributes to learning that will be remembered long-term (Western Governors University, 2021). Knowledge is built upon and transferred to long-term memory as connections are made. To summarize, when students continue to build upon knowledge by making connections, the learning deepens.

Types of Learning:Since adults learn by doing, project-based learning that utilizes real world scenarios that can be directly applied to a career of interest is beneficial to adults. Project-based learning helps adults see how the knowledge they are learning can be directly applied to their interests and careers (Western Governors University, 2020). Due to a lack of brain plasticity in older learners, it’s important for adults to engage with all of their senses when learning; therefore, lecture-style environments are not ideal (Western Governors University, 2020). The type of learning experiences that work best for adults are internships, job shadowing, and projects. Therefore, adult learning experiences need to be focused on solving problems in current, real-world situations.

Major Theorists:Malcolm Knowles is the main theorist associated with adult learning theory. In the 1980s, he brought attention to andragogy, which is the concept of teaching adults (Western Governors University, 2020). While pedagogy is the concept of teaching children, andragogy focuses on how adults learn. According to andragogy, adult learners differ from children in their motivations for learning, the type of learning that is relevant to their lives, and how they apply new concepts. Knowles’ work has impacted many adult theories today that focus on enhancing experiences for adult learners.

Role of Memory:Vygotsky distinguishes between memory and learning. He believes that children are naturally born with mental abilities, such as memory, but learning is a higher mental function that can only occur through social interactions (Mcleod, 2023). Learning is remembered when an individual internalizes concepts after multiple interactions with a more knowledgeable individual. Learning cannot happen apart from the social and cultural contexts students engage in.

How Learning Occurs:According to this theory, learning occurs chronologically, psychologically and socially. First, it is interpsychological, meaning that learning first occurs when a learner interacts with a more knowledgeable individual (Mcleod, 2023). Second, it is intrapsychological, meaning that an individual integrates new concepts into their own mental structures.

Major Characteristics:The major characteristics of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory include the zone of proximal development (ZPD), social interaction, cultural tools, and private speech (TeachThought, 2023). According to Vygotsky, the ZPD is a student’s level of ability to apply a new skill with support, or scaffolding, from an individual that is more competent, such as a peer or teacher. Social interactions impact a student’s cognitive development because learning occurs through interactions with individuals that are more knowledgeable. The cultural tools that contribute to learning include language, artifacts, and social practices that a particular culture uses to think, communicate, problem solve, and construct knowledge (TeachThought, 2023). Finally, private speech is when learner’s talk to themselves as they practice a new skill. This is an important part of cognitive development. As students grow, their private speech internalizes as they make sense of new concepts and engage in problem-solving in their own heads.

References:Mcleod, S. (2023). Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html#Educational-ImplicationsStaff, TeachThought. (2023). What is Vygotsky’s sociocultural learning theory? TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/learning/what-is-vygotskys-sociocultural-learning-theory/Western Governors University. (2021). Connectivism learning theory. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/connectivism-learning-theory2105.html#close Western Governors University. (2020). 10 simple principles of adult learning. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/adult-learning-theories-principles2004.html

Types of Learning:Since connections inform learning under connectivism, group collaboration is highly valued. Learning from diverse perspectives helps individuals make sense of information. Connectivism also relies heavily upon digital learning and technologies (Western Governors University, 2021). For example, social media is often used to help students exchange ideas among diverse networks. Additionally, gamification and simulations engage students in deep learning by making it more of a fun, interactive experience. These practices give students more control over the content and individualize learning according to their needs.

Major Theorists:George Siemens and Stephen Downes are the major theorists behind connectivism. In 2004-2005, these theorists published articles explaining how technology has impacted the learning process. According to the articles, the digital age has made it possible for students to access information faster than ever before (Western Governors University, 2021). These theorists have continued to speak about connectivism since then. Siemens focuses on the social benefits of connectivism while Downes studies machine-based learning.

Major Characteristics:Adult learning theory focuses on ways adults learn differently than children. The major characteristics include self-direction, goal setting, internal motivation, hands-on experiences, mentorship, and repetition. As self-directed learners, adults set goals for their educational needs that have direct relevance to their lives (Western Governors University, 2020). Internal motivations to learn, such as advancing in a career, cause learning to happen naturally and at one’s own pace. Adult learners benefit from established mentors in their fields and hands-on experiences, such as internships or job shadowing. Finally, repetition through practice in a supportive learning environment increases an adult learner’s chances for mastery.

How Learning Occurs:According to this theory, learning occurs when adults are internally motivated to apply new concepts to their lives and careers. Learning occurs through repetitive, hands-on experiences. Learning occurs when adults engage in audio, visual, kinesthetic, independent, and group activities (Western Governors University, 2020). Deep learning occurs when adults use critical thinking and questioning to transform their underlying beliefs (Western Governors University, 2020). Learning occurs organically, at one’s own pace and in one’s own way, when adults are intrinsically motivated to take ownership over their learning.

Major Characteristics:Connectivism values collaboration, student responsibility for learning, and diversity. Connectivists believe that learning happens when knowledge is dispensed across networks and connections are made between diverse ideas. Making connections between ideas and concepts is an important skill for students to develop under connectivism (Western Governors University, 2021). Connectivists seek accurate, up-to-date knowledge because information is constantly changing as ideas are being challenged, tested, and built upon.

How Learning Occurs:According to connectivism, learning is a process of making connections. Nodes and links, which are terms often associated in computer networking, are used to describe how learners gain information and make connections in connectivism. Learning occurs beyond our own internal construction of knowledge; learning also consists of what students experience outside of themselves through their external networks, such as social media (Western Governors University, 2021). According to connectivism, students are like “nodes” in a computer network. As nodes can be connected to other objects, students learn by making connections between information in order to build their own knowledge and understanding (Western Governors University, 2021).

Role of Memory:Adult brains are much different than children’s brains. Neuroplasticity, which is the ability for the human brain to learn and grow, is lacking in older learners. Young learners’ brains have greater plasticity, meaning that they can grasp new concepts much easier. The lack of brain plasticity in adults makes it difficult for adults to forge new neural pathways when learning. Older learners have a more challenging time remembering new concepts simply because their brains are less plastic (Western Governors University, 2020). It is important to remember that adults will have a much more difficult time remembering new concepts due to their lack of neuroplasticity, so repetition and hands-on learning experiences that engage all of the senses are even more important for adult learners.

Types of Learning:Since collaborative interactions with a more skilled person is an important characteristic in this theory, teacher modeling, direct instruction, and collaborative learning with peers are the types of learning that are often evident (TeachThought, 2023). Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory supports a more student-centered model where students actively support one another's learning through collaboration (Mcleod, 2023). For example, desks will be in small clusters to encourage collaboration with peers. Under this theory, peer support is just as important as teacher support. Another modern practice is reciprocal teaching, meaning that students learn from text outside of the classroom so they can come to class prepared to participate in collaborative discussions and problem-solving at school, where they eventually learn to become facilitators of group discussions (Mcleod, 2023).