Week 2 - Learning Theories PDF

 Discuss theories of the learning process.  Coherent framework of integrated constructs and principles that describe, explain, or predict how people learn – Behaviorism – Cognitivism – Constructivism – Humanism – Other theories Sensory stimulation Holisti...

 Discuss theories of the learning process.  Coherent framework of integrated constructs and principles that describe, explain, or predict how people learn – Behaviorism – Cognitivism – Constructivism – Humanism – Other theories Sensory stimulation Holistic learning Adult learning  Assumes a learner is essentially passive – Only responding to stimuli Behavior is shaped through reinforcement and punishment Learning is defined as a change of behavior in the learner  Theories under behaviorism – Operant conditioning (Reinforcement Theory) – Classical conditioning – Social Learning  This theory was developed by B.F. Skinner Also known as “Operant Conditioning” Behavior is a function of its consequences. – The learner will repeat the desired behavior if positive reinforcement (a pleasant consequence) follows the behavior. – Punishment weakens a behavior because a negative condition is introduced or experienced as a consequence of the behavior  Made famous by Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs A reflexive or automatic type of learning in which the stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus.  Proposed by Albert Bandura Three concepts – People can learn through observation – Mental states are important to learning – Learning may not necessarily lead to change of behavior Observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new information without demonstrating new behavior  The Modeling Process – Attention Various factors increase or decrease the amount of attention paid – Retention Ability to store information – Reproduction Actually performance of the behavior observed – Motivation Having a good reason to imitate  Focuses of inner mental activities – thinking, memory, knowing and problem- solving Knowledge can be seen as schema or symbolic mental construction Learning is defined as change in a learner’s schemata  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  Focuses on human freedom, dignity and potential Basic assumption – People act with intentionality and values Theories under humanism – Experiential Learning – Facilitation Theory  Kolb proposed a four-stage learning process the process can begin at any of the stages and is continuous  Learning will occur by the educator acting as a facilitator – establishing an atmosphere in which learners feel comfortable to consider new ideas and are not threatened by external factors Learners – are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning – provide much of the input for the learning which occurs through their insights and experiences  Effective learning occurs when the more senses are stimulated Stimulation through the senses is achieved through – a greater variety of colors – volume levels – strong statements – facts presented visually – use of a variety of techniques and media  Individual personality consists of many elements – the intellect, emotions, the body impulse (or desire), intuition and imagination – all require activation if learning is to be more effective  Developed by Malcolm Knowles Uses approaches to learning that are problem-based and collaborative rather than didactic Emphasizes more equality between the teacher and the learner  Adults are internally motivated and self- directed Adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences Adults are goal-oriented Adults are relevancy-oriented Adults are practical Adults learners like to be respected