Learning theories are an organized set of principles explaining how
individuals acquire, retain, and recall knowledge. By studying and knowing the
different learning theories, we can better understand how learning occurs. The
principles of the theories can be used as guidelines to help select
instructional tools, techniques, and strategies that promote learning.
THREE LEARNING THEORIES
Behaviorism
Behaviorism stem from
the work of B.F. Skinner and the concept of operant conditioning. Behaviorism
theorists believe that knowledge exists independently and outside of people.
They view the learner as a blank slate who must be provided the experience.
Behaviorists believe that learning actually occurs when new behaviors or
changes in behaviors are acquired through assciations between stimuli and
responses. Thus, association leads to change in behaviour.
Learning process
The learning process
is based on objectively observable changes in behaviour. Behavior theorists
define learning simply as the acquisition of a new behaviour or change in behaviour.
The theory is that learning begins when a cue or stimulus with some type of
response. Consequences that reinforce that desired behaviour are arranged to follow
the desired (e.g study for a test and get a good grade). The new behavioural pattern
can be repeated so it becomes automatic. The change in behaviour of the learner
signifies that learning has occurred. Teachers use Behaviorism when they reward
or punish student behaviors.
Unfortunately,
Behaviorism instruction does not prepare the learner for problem solving or
creative thinking. Learners do what they are told and do not take initiative to
change or improve things. The responses or performing tasks.
Examples and
applications of behaviourist learning theory:
➤Drill/
Rote work
➤Repetitive
practise
➤Verbal
Reinforcement
Cognitive Information
Processing (Cognitivism)
Cognitive information
processing is based on the thought process behind the behaviour. The theory is based
on the idea that humans process the information they receive, rather than
merely responding to stimuli (i.e. that is think about what is happening). The
changes in behaviour are observed, but only as an indictor to what is going on
in the learner’s head. The learner’s mind is like a mirror from which new knowledge
and skills will be reflected.
Cognitive information
processing is used when the learner plays an active role in seeking ways to
understand and process information that he or she receives and relate it to
what is already known and stored within memory. Cognitive learning theories are
credited to Jean Piaget.
Learning process
Cognitive learning
theorists believe learning occurs through internal processing of information. Unlike
behaviourism, cognitive information processing is governed by an internal
process rather than by external circumstance. The cognitive approach to learning
theory pays more attention to what goes on inside the learner’s head and focuses
on mental processes rather than observable behaviour are observed, and used as
indicators as to what is happening inside the learner’s mind.
Learning involves the
reorganization of experiences, either by attaining new insights or changing old
ones. Thus, learning is a change in knowledge which is stored in memory, and not
just a change in behaviour.
Examples and
applications of cognitive learning theory:
➤Classifying or
chunking information
➤Linking Concepts
➤Providing Structure
➤Discussions
➤Problem Solving
➤Analogies
Constructivism
Constructivism is
based on the premise that we all construct our own perspective of the world,
based on individual experiences and internal knowledge. Learning is based on
how the individual interprets and creates the meaning of his or her
experiences. Knowledge is constructed by the learner and since everyone has a different
set of experiences and perceptions, learning is unique and different for each
person.
Learning process
This theory is used
to focus on preparing people to problem solve. Therefore, to be successful, the
learner needs a significant base of knowledge upon which to interpret and
create ideas. Additionally, with Constructivism, outcomes are not always
predictable because learners are constructing their own knowledge. Thus,
constructivism does not work when the result always need to be consistent.
Examples and
applications constructivism:
➤Case studies
➤Research Projects
➤Problem-based
learning
➤Brainstorming
➤Simulations
- The level of knowledge of the learners
- The thought processing demands
- The desired outcome (generation of new ideas or a single answer)
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