Learning Theories Overview

Learning Theories

• A coherent framework of integrated constructs and principles that describe, explain, or predict how people learn.
• Behaviorism: Assumes a learner is passive and responds only to stimuli. Behavior is shaped through reinforcement and punishment; learning is defined as a change of behavior.
  • Operant conditioning (Reinforcement Theory): Developed by B.F. Skinner. Behavior is a function of its consequences. Positive reinforcement (pleasant consequence) encourages repetition of a behavior. Punishment discourages a behavior through negative consequence.
  • Classical conditioning: Popularized by Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs. Reflexive, automatic learning where a stimulus acquires the capacity evoke a response previously evoked by another stimulus.
  • Social Learning: Proposed by Albert Bandura. Learning through observation. Mental states are important to learning. Learning may not necessarily lead to a change of behavior.
    • Modeling Process:
      • Attention: Factors influence attention paid to the observed behavior.
      • Retention: Ability to store information.
      • Reproduction: Performing the observed behavior.
      • Motivation: Desire to imitate the behavior.

Cognitivism

• Focuses on inner mental activities – thinking, memory, knowing, and problem-solving.
• Knowledge is seen as a schema or symbolic mental construction.
• Learning is defined as a change in a learner’s schemata.

Constructivism

• Learning is an active, constructive process.
• The learner is an information constructor.
• New information is linked to prior knowledge.
• Knowledge is constructed based on personal experiences and hypotheses of the environment.

Humanism

• Focuses on human freedom, dignity, and potential.
• People act with intentionality and values.
• Experiential Learning: Proposed by Kolb. Four-stage learning process (experiencing, reflecting, conceptualizing, and applying) that can begin at any stage and is continuous.
• Facilitation Theory: Learning occurs when the educator acts as a facilitator, creating an atmosphere where learners can explore ideas without threat. Learners take responsibility for their own learning.

Other Theories

• Sensory Stimulation: Effective learning occurs when more senses are stimulated (variety of colors, loudness, strong statements, visual facts, techniques and media).
• Holistic Learning: Individual personality consists of many elements (intellect, emotions, bodily impulse, intuition, imagination) requiring activation for effective learning.
• Adult Learning: Developed by Malcolm Knowles. Problem-based and collaborative approaches to learning replace didactic methods. Learners are equal with the teacher.
  • Adult Learner Characteristics: Internally motivated and self-directed. Bring life experiences and knowledge. Goal-oriented. Relevancy-oriented. Practical. Want to be respected.