Learning Theories

Learning Theories

by Kayleigh OvermyerGrand Canyon UniversityEDU-522: Curriculum Design TheoriesDr. Tomica CrosbyFebruary 7, 2024

Cognitivism

Constructivism

Behaviorism

LEARNING theories

Theorists, characteristics, and how learning occurs

References

John B. Watson

edward Thorndike

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B.F. Skinner

Psychologist who studied behaviorism. Considered all forms of learning as conditioning (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017).

Believed that "knowledge is action". Established the concept of operant conditioning. Suggests that behavior is stimulated by external reinforcers.

Considered the founder of behavioral psychology. Studied classical conditioning. Believed that learning happened through habit-forming.

Characteristics

Learning & Memory

BEHAViorism

Who were the major theorists?

• Stimuli elicits a response. The desired response can be encouraged through positive reinforcements (WGU, 2020)
• Students retain information through repetition, known as "drills" (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)
• Students drill and review information. They receive immediate feedback (reinforcements). Their progress is monitored until they master the skill (2017).

Major Characteristics

of Behaviorism in Education

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How Learning Occurs

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• Repetition is key! Continued drilling and reviewing enhances retention.
• Stimulus-response is automatic for the brain. Students will associate stimuli with new information (2017)

The Role of Memory

learning & memory

in Behaviorism

• A behavior is modeled by the teacher. For example, a teacher demonstrates how to solve a math problem.
• Students practice and repeat modeled behavior. Positive reinforcement encourages behavior; negative reinforcement discourages behavior (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)

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John Dewey

Jean Piaget

Jerome Bruner

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Famed educator and philosopher Believed learning is continuous and builds upon previously learned information and experiences outside of the classroom (2017).

Inspired by Dewey and Piaget. Suggested the "spiral curriculum" in which learning is continuous and cumulative or based on foundational skills (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)

Considered a founder of constructivism. Says "learning is modeling, transforming, and understanding the way... an object is constructed" (Miller et al, 2019, para. 1)

Characteristics

Learning & Memory

Constructivism

Who were the major theorists?

• The learner is in charge of how they learn. The teacher acts as the guide or facilitator (WGU, 2020).
• Students are expected to "internalize" the information rather than simply memorize (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017). Students learn through experience and reflection.
• Piaget suggests there are not distinctive types of learning that can be explained by this theory. According to him, constructivism works best after foundational skills are established and learning can be applied (Miller et al, 2019)

Major Characteristics

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of Constructivism in Education

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How Learning Occurs

• Students learn new information by forming connections with what they already know.
• Students can demonstrate further understanding by engaging in discussion and higher-level thinking skills (2021)

The Role of Memory

learning & memory

in Constructionism

• Students learn by interacting with the world around them
• "Active engagement and reflection are critical to the learning journey" (Kurt, 2021)
• Relationships between foundational skills and new information are forged

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Jean Piaget

Maria Montessori

Lev Vygotsky

Also associated with constructivism. Originated the idea of stages in child growth and cognitive development (Main, 2022).

Educator and psychologist. Believed that effective instruction can supersede development (2017). Also suggested adequate language development is key to learning.

Educator in the 19th and 20th century. Noticed that not all students learn at the same rate or have access to the same learning materials (due to poverty, etc.) (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)

Characteristics

Learning & Memory

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Cognitivism

Who were the major theorists?

Jean Piaget

Maria Montessori

Lev Vygotsky

Also associated with constructivism. Originated the idea of stages in child growth and cognitive development (Main, 2022).

Educator and psychologist. Believed that effective instruction can supersede development (2017). Also suggested adequate language development is key to learning.

Educator in the 19th and 20th century. Noticed that not all students learn at the same rate or have access to the same learning materials (due to poverty, etc.) (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)

Characteristics

Learning & Memory

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Cognitivism

Who were the major theorists?

• "Students actively construct knowledge based on their stage of cognitive development" (National University, n.d.)
• According to Montessori, learning is fulfilled through sensory input (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)
• According to Piaget, development in children is hierarchical, meaning one stage must lead to the next
• Learning in cognitvism is student-led and student-focused (Main, 2022)

Major Characteristics

of Cognitivism in Education

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How Learning Occurs

• Cognitive Load Theory: Suggests that information is processed first through our sensory memory (experience), then through our working memory (attention, beginning to make connections), and when effectively learned, is stored in our long-term memory (Main, 2022)

The Role of Memory

learning & memory

in Cognitivism

• "Knowledge acquisition occurs when learners actively engage in problem-solving activities" (Main, 2022, para. 4)
• Students are presented activities that stimulate the brain and engage various levels of critical thinking skills (2022)
• Types of learning explained by cognitivism: comprehension and application (2022)

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Reference Page

• Cornstein, A., & Phunkins, F. (2017). Curriculum: Foundations, principles, and issues (7th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.
• Kurt, S. (2021, February 21). Constructivist learning theory. Educational Technology. Retrieved from https://educationaltechnology.net/constructivist-learning-theory/
• Main, P. (2022, December 9). Cognitivism learning theories: A teachers guide. Structural Learning. Retrieved from https://www.structural-learning.com/post/cognitivism-learning-theories
• Miller, Carrie Lewis; Manderfeld, Michael; and Harsma, Elizabeth A., "Learning Theories: Constructivism" (2019). All Resources. 139.
• https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/all/139
• National University. (n.d.). Constructivism in education: What is constructivism? Retrieved from https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-is-constructivism-in-education/
• Western Governors University. (2020, May 28). What is the behavioral learning theory? Retrieved from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html
• Western Governors University. (2020, May 27). What is constructivism? Retrieved from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html

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