Learning Theories: Principles, Evolution & Impact

Principles vs. Theories of Learning

• Principles differ from theories of learning, with the latter holding more importance
• Principles have an established relationship between factors
• Theories are integrated statements of principles explaining phenomena and making predictions
• A principle is an established relationship between factors
• Thorndike’s Principle says behavior followed by satisfaction increases and Thorndike’s Law of Effect states responses with satisfaction are strengthened, while responses with discomfort are weakened
• Principles involve two interacted things, but theories can combine more principles

Evolution of learning theories

• Behaviorism involves learning like an animal
• Cognitivism involves learning like a machine
• Constructivism involves learning like a human
• Connectivism/Transhumanism involves learning like a cyborg

Theory - Pros and Cons

• Theories provide an interpretative framework for understanding behavior and observations
• Theories help organize experiences and generate new research through testable hypotheses
• No single theory explains everything
• Theories can bias knowledge construction and dissemination

Theory - Practice

• Understanding learning theories helps in understanding learning and motivation factors
• Learning theories offer strategies to enhance learning quality
• Learning theories guide educators' understanding and teaching practices, and contribute to personal philosophy

Key Learning Outcomes

• Students should understand learning theories, key terms, and principles
• Students should understand how cognitive, behavioral, social and situational factors enhance or hinder learning
• Students should be able to describe how they learn best, and identify ways of improving their learning

Definition of Learning

• Learning is any relatively permanent change in an organism resulting from experience

MacLean’s Triune Brain

• The Reptilian Brain (R-Complex/Hindbrain/Reptilian complex) controls basic survival functions and physical instincts
• The Paleo-Mammalian Brain (Midbrain/Limbic system) handles emotions, memory, and social bonding, correlating memory with emotions and social relationships
• The Neo-Mammalian Brain (Forebrain/Neocortex) enables complex thinking, self-awareness, advanced communication and high-level cognition, distinguishing humans from other mammals

Brain Structure

• The First Brain, located centrally and oldest, governs basic needs, instincts, drives, and avoidances like temperature, hunger, and fight responses
• The Second Brain, wrapped around the Reptilian complex, consists of older parts responsible for feelings, memory, recall, and hormonal control
• The Third Brain, wrapped around the Second Brain, comprises the newest parts: Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, and Occipital Lobes, responsible for language, problem-solving, social skills, and higher cognitive processes

Neurons, Synapse and Neurotransmitters

• The average human brain contains over 100 billion neurons, each connected to over 10,000 cells, totaling about 1,000 trillion connections
• Anatomical features of a cell body: the spherical part of a neuron containing the nucleus, neurotransmitters (chemicals carrying messages), dendrites (branchlike receiving structures) and an axon (arm-like transmitting structure)
• A Synapse is a gap between two neurons that allows transmission of messages
• Inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin "cool" the central nervous system (CNS)
• Excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine "heat up" the CNS
• Lack of carbs can reduce serotonin, leading to more anxiety

Nature vs. Nurture

• Genes (Nature) are discrete units of inheritance
• Enriched environments (Nurture) lead to heavier brains, more connections, and increased activity in animals
• Humans need a stimulating environment for optimal learning and development

Brain Development Factors

• Plasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life
• Experience-expectant abilities fine-tune to environmental conditions from conception
• Experience-dependent skills emerge uniquely to particular cultures and social groups.
• Nutrition is especially critical during the 10th to 18th weeks of fetal development
• Malnutrition can impair neurotransmitter flow
• Teratogens, like lead, alcohol, and fetal alcohol syndrome can cause abnormalities in developing fetuses

Neural Connections and Transmission

• Synaptogenesis aid in developing elaborate and lasting connections, requiring time, attention, practice, and emotional/personal/survival connections
• Synaptic Pruning involves weakening or degeneration of synaptic connections through disuse
• Myelin is fatty substance that speeds up neural transmissions

Periods of Development

• Critical periods are specific windows of opportunity necessary for certain brain/cognitive development
• Sensitive/optimal periods are windows when the brain is particularly sensitive to environmental influences
• Myelin Development (age related myelination) coordination is not complete until four years of age
• Focusing attention is not complete until 10 years of age
• Thinking and reasoning is not complete until late adolescence/early adulthood
• Demyelination are Neurodegenerative Autoimmune Diseases including Multiple Sclerosis

Environmental Threats

• Alcohol and pollution negatively impact brain development
• A correlation exists between words from parents in childhood and the higher social class children acquire later in life