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Learning Theories
Kayleigh Overmyer
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by Kayleigh OvermyerGrand Canyon University EDU-522: Curriculum Design Theories Dr. Tomica Crosby February 7, 2024
Learning Theories
References
Theorists, characteristics, and how learning occurs
LEARNING theories
Behaviorism
Constructivism
Cognitivism
Who were the major theorists?
BEHAViorism
Learning & Memory
Characteristics
Considered the founder of behavioral psychology. Studied classical conditioning. Believed that learning happened through habit-forming.
Believed that "knowledge is action". Established the concept of operant conditioning. Suggests that behavior is stimulated by external reinforcers.
Psychologist who studied behaviorism. Considered all forms of learning as conditioning (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017).
B.F. Skinner
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edward Thorndike
John B. Watson
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of Behaviorism in Education
Major Characteristics
- 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).
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- 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)
in Behaviorism
learning & memory
The Role of Memory
- Repetition is key! Continued drilling and reviewing enhances retention.
- Stimulus-response is automatic for the brain. Students will associate stimuli with new information (2017)
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How Learning Occurs
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Who were the major theorists?
Constructivism
Learning & Memory
Characteristics
Considered a founder of constructivism. Says "learning is modeling, transforming, and understanding the way... an object is constructed" (Miller et al, 2019, para. 1)
Inspired by Dewey and Piaget. Suggested the "spiral curriculum" in which learning is continuous and cumulative or based on foundational skills (Cornstein & Phunkins, 2017)
Famed educator and philosopher Believed learning is continuous and builds upon previously learned information and experiences outside of the classroom (2017).
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Jerome Bruner
Jean Piaget
John Dewey
of Constructivism in Education
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Major Characteristics
- 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)
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- 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
in Constructionism
learning & memory
The Role of Memory
- 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)
How Learning Occurs
Back
Who were the major theorists?
Cognitivism
Back
Learning & Memory
Characteristics
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)
Educator and psychologist. Believed that effective instruction can supersede development (2017). Also suggested adequate language development is key to learning.
Also associated with constructivism. Originated the idea of stages in child growth and cognitive development (Main, 2022).
Lev Vygotsky
Maria Montessori
Jean Piaget
Who were the major theorists?
Cognitivism
Back
Learning & Memory
Characteristics
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)
Educator and psychologist. Believed that effective instruction can supersede development (2017). Also suggested adequate language development is key to learning.
Also associated with constructivism. Originated the idea of stages in child growth and cognitive development (Main, 2022).
Lev Vygotsky
Maria Montessori
Jean Piaget
Back
of Cognitivism in Education
Major Characteristics
- "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)
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- "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)
in Cognitivism
learning & memory
The Role of Memory
- 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)
How Learning Occurs
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All images sourced from Wikipedia or Pexels.
- 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