Learning Theories

LB EDU 522

Learning Theories

Strategies for memorization and learning

• Drills
• Questions and Answer
• Guided practice
• Regular review
• Positive reinforcement

(Western Governors University, 2020)

Behaviorism

Theorists: Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner.

Behaviorism links learning to external cues and consequences. For instance, rewarding a class with no homework for doing well on a test reinforces studying due to the reward. Potential risk:students only do it for the reward. (Brau et all. 2022)

It is based on conditioning the behavior by altering the environment. (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016)

• Positive reinforcement
• Repetition
• Extrinsic motivators such as praise and rewards
• Environment controlled to modify behavior. Seating arrangements, group assignments.

(Brau et all. 2022)

+ Characteristics

Characteristics:

• Humans learn from thinking and experiencing.
• New information connects to existing information.
• Knowledge is an internal process and not a product.

(Constructional learning, n.d.).

Memory: It comes from having deep understanding of a subject instead of cramming information.

Learning Learners go through a cycle:

• Comprehension
• Why is this information important?
• Memory
• Deep understanding enhances retention

• Application
• Real-life situations

Cognitivism

Theorists: Jean Piaget Ulric Neisser

Cognitive learning optimizes the brain's potential by connecting new knowledge with existing ideas. This brain process is called cognition. (Valamis. 2023, June 17)

Characteristics:

• Knowledge is built upon previous knowledge
• Learning is an active process
• Learning is contextual
• Learning is a social process

(Western Governors University, 2020)

Memory & Learning

• Learners understand why they are learning
• New information is related to previous experience
• Learners apply their knowledge
• PBL
• IBL

Constructivism

Theorists: John Dewey Lev Vygotsky Jean Piaget