EDU 522 Learning Theories Part 1

Topic 1 Assignment EDU 522

Learning Theories Part 1

Exploring Learning Theories

• Behaviorism
• Cognitivism
• Constructivism

Theorist

Characteristics

Memory

Learning

Behaviorism

Major Theorists:

Characteristics

• learn thorugh observation
• behavior can change based on response

Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Bandura, Gagne,Thorndike

Role of the Memory

• Learning occurs when there is a reinforcement of information.
• Students learn step by step.

• Learning happens when there is positive reinforcement through direct instruction.

• classical conditioning and operant memory.
• behavior acquired through response and stimuli
• learn from observation

Cognitivism

Major Theorists:

Characteristics

Focuses on how individuals process information, monitor and mangage thinking and results of thinking when related to information processing capabilities (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

Piaget, Montessori, Vygotdky

9 Events of Instruction

1. Gain Attention
2. Inform Learners of objectives
3. Stimulate recall of prior knowledge
4. Present content
5. provide guidance
6. preform and practice skills
7. provide feedback
8. assess performance
9. Enhance retention and transfer

Role of the Memory

"Many, if not most, psychologists are concerned with the cognitive structures that individuals invent and use. These cognitive scientists focus on thought processes—what is happening inside a person’s head. The brain is complex, as is the process of thinking. We have developed various ways to classify thinking and the structure of human intellect." (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

Constructivism

Major Theorists:

Characteristics

Bruner, Piaget, Dawey

Emphasis on learner constrcuting their own learning through the new gain information." Constructivism is the theory that says learners construct knowledge rather than just passively take in information." (University of Buffalo, n.d.).

Role of the Memory

• Learning occurs when new information is integrated with what the students have previously learned.
• It is students centered combined with collaboration and hands-on activities.

• New knowledge is build through prior knolwedge.
• Students construct their own knowledge based on experience and tedn to develop explanatins.

References

• Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2016). Curriculum: foundations, principles, and issues. (7th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780134060354
• Northern Illinois University. Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/gagnes-nine-events-of-instruction.shtml
• Main, Paul. (2022)Structural Learning. Cognitivism Learning Theories: A Teacher Guide. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/cognitivism-learning-theories#:~:text=Cognitivists%20believe%20that%20humans%20learn,process%20rather%20than%20a%20product.
• Cherry, Kendra. (2022). Very Well Mind. What is Behaviorism?. https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-psychology-4157183
• WGU. (2020). What is Behavioral learning Theory?. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html
• Miami University Word Press Sites. (2019). Constructivism: The Power of Prior Knowledge. https://sites.miamioh.edu/exemplary-science-teaching/2019/10/constructivism-the-power-of-prior-knowledge/
• Mcleod, Saul. (Updated 2024). Simply Psychology. Constructivism Learning Theory & Philosophy Of Education. https://www.simplypsychology.org/constructivism.html
• University of Buffalo. (n.d.) Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation. Constructivism. https://www.buffalo.edu/catt/develop/theory/constructivism.html#title_2059630958