Theories of learning

Theories of Learning

Main TheoriesBehaviorismCognitivismSocial Learning TheorySocial ConstructivismMultiple IntelligencesBrain-Based Learning

Behaviorism

BehaviorismIt is confined to observable and measurable behavior.Learning is defined by the outward expression of new behaviors and context-independent.Biological basis for learning.Focuses on observable behaviors.

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov) Operant conditioning (Skinner)A stimulus is presented in order to get a response.It is about reflexes.The response is made first then reinforcement follows.It is about feedback/reinforcement.

Behaviorism in the classroomRewards and PunishmentsResponsibility for student learning rests squarely with the teacher.Lecture-Based and Highly Structured

Critiques of Behaviorism

It does not account for processes taking place in the mind that cannot be observed.Advocates for passive student learning in a teacher-centric environment.One size fits all.Knowledge itself is given and absolute.There is programmed instruction and teacher-proofing.

Cognitivism

CognitivismGrew in response to Behaviorism.Knowledge is stored cognitively as symbols.Learning is the process of connecting symbols in a meaningful and memorable way.Studies focused on the mental processes that facilitate symbol connection.

Discovery Learning (Bruner)Meaningful Verbal Learning (Ausubel)Anybody can learn anything at any age, provided it is stated in terms they can understand.Powerful Concepts (Not Isolated Facts)Transfer to many different situations.Only possible through Discovery Learning.Confront the learner with problems and help them find solutions. Do not present sequenced materials.Advance Organizers:New material is presented in a systematic way and is connected to existing cognitive structures in a meaningful way.When learners have difficulty with new material, go back to the concrete anchors (Advance Organizers).Provide a discovery approach and they will learn.

Cognitivism in the classroomInquiry-Oriented ProjectsProvide opportunities for the testing of hypotheses.Curiosity is encouraged.Stage Scaffolding

Critiques of CognitivismLike Behaviorism, knowledge itself is given and absolute.Input Process Output model is mechanistic and deterministic.It does not account enough for individuality.It has little emphasis on affective characteristics.

Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

Grew out of Cognitivism.Learning takes place through observation and sensorial experiences.Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.Social Learning Theory is the basis of the movement against violence in media and video games.

Social Learning TheoryLearning from Models:Attend to pertinent clues.Code for memory (store a visual image).Retain in memory.Accurately reproduce the observed activity.Possess sufficient motivation to apply new learning.

Research indicates that the following factors influence the strength of learning from models:How much power the model seems to have.How capable the model seems to be.How nurturing/caring the model seems to be.How similar the learner perceives self and model.How many models the learner observes.

Social Learning Theory

Four interrelated processes establish and strengthen identification with the model:Children want to be like the model.Children believe they are like the model.Children experience emotions like those the model is feeling.Children act like the model.Social Learning Theory

Through identification, children come to believe they have the same characteristics as the model.When they identify with a nurturing and competent model, children feel pleased and proud.When they identify with an inadequate model, children feel unhappy and insecure.Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory in the classroomCollaborative Learning and Group WorkModeling Responses and ExpectationsThere are opportunities to observe experts in action.

Critiques of social learning theoryIt does not take into account individuality, context and experience as mediating factors.Suggests students learn best as passive receivers of sensory stimuli, as opposed to being active learners.Emotions and motivation are not considered important or connected to learning.

Social Constructivism

Social ConstructivismGrew out of and in response to Cognitivism and was framed around Metacognition.Knowledge is actively constructed.Learning is:A search for meaning by the learner.ContextualizedAn Inherently Social ActivityDialogic and RecursiveThe Responsibility of the Learner

Social constructivism in the classroom

JournalingExperiential ActivitiesPersonal FocusCollaborative and Cooperative Learning

Critiques of Social constructivismSuggests that knowledge is neither given nor absolute.It is often seen as less rigorous than traditional approaches to instruction.It does not fit well with traditional age grouping and rigid terms/semesters.

Multiple Intelligences

Multiple IntelligencesGrew out of Constructivism and was framed around Metacognition.All people are born with 8 intelligences:Verbal-LinguisticVisual-SpatialLogical-MathematicalKinestheticMusicalNaturalistInterpresonalIntrapersonalEnable students to leverage their strengths and purposefully target and develop their weaknesses.

Multiple intelligences in the classroomDelivery of instruction via multiple mediums.Student-Centered ClassroomAuthentic AssessmentSelf-Directed Learning

Critiques of Multiple intelligencesLack of quantifiable evidence that MI exist.Lack of evidence that use of MI as a curricular and methodological approach has any discernible impact on learning.Suggestive of a departure from core curricula and standards.

Brain-based Learning

Brain-based LearningGrew out of Neuroscience and Constructivism.12 governing principles:Brain is a parallel processor.Whole Body LearningA search for meaning.PatterningEmotions are critical.Processing of Parts and WholesFocused Attention and Peripheral PerceptionConscious and Unconscious ProcessesSeveral Types of MemoryEmbedded Learning SticksChallenge and ThreatEvery brain is unique.

Brain-based learning in the classroomOpportunities for Group LearningRegular Environmental ChangesMulti-Sensory EnvironmentOpportunities for Self-Expression and Making Personal Connections to ContentCommunity-Based Learning

Critiques of brain-based learningResearch conducted by neuroscientists, not by teachers and educational researchers.Lack of understanding of the brain itself makes brain-based learning questionable.Individual principles have been scientifically questioned.

Humanist

HumanistAll students are intrinsically motivated to self actualize or learn.Learning is dependent upon meeting a hierarchy of needs (physiological, psychological and intellectual).Learning should be reinforced.

Other learning theories of note

othersAndragogy (Knowles)Flow (Czikszentmihalyi)Situated Learning (Lave)Subsumption Theory (Ausubel)Conditions of Learning (Gagne)