Learning Theories
Overview
This is a basic overview of the three main learning theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
Behaviorism
Behaviorism is one of the three main learning theories used in an attempt to explain our observations of learning. Learning does not have "laws" like science and math does, as of right now.
Behaviorism was first theorized in the 1920s, and was proposed and conceptualized greatly by Ivan Pavlov and John Watson.
- The learning theory of behaviorism believes that the learning of humans is no different than that of any other animal.
When a teacher uses behaviorism, the instructor will design the lesson, and the students will be largely passive or simply responding to stimuli.
- The theory of behaviorisim believes that people have no free will, and their environment determines their behavior. Their behavior is predicable, and is the result of stimulus. An instructor's role is simply that of providing different stimuli according to needs. The students will then provide observable responses as a response to their stimuli, allowing the teacher to observe and determine the next move.
- Most classroom games - both tangible and online - are created based on this learning theory.
- Behaviorism is also said to provide only surface learning and basic skills.
Cognitivism
Cognitivism is the next of the three main learning theories used today.
Cognitivism was first theorized in the 1960s by Jerome Bruner and is widely used in modern education.
- This learning theory is focused on thinking and problem solving. The spotlight is on how information is processed, organized, stored, and recalled.
- This involves looking into short term, long term, and working memory.
- Your working memory can only hold 4 - 6 items.
- The brain will "chunk" information to overcome this working memory limitation.
- Your short term memory has limitations as well, while your long term memory has much more "room".
When a teacher uses cognitivism, the instructor will manage problem solving and structure search activities for a classroom. The students will be more likely than with behaviorism to actively process, store, and retrieve information for use.
- Memory mapping software, note taking applications, and flash card sites such as quizlet all operate using cognitivism.
Constructivism
Constructivism is the last of the three main learning theories touched on here.
Constructivism was first theorized in the 1980s and is widely known to have been conceptualized by Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.
- This learning theory is focused on creating meaning from personal experiences, and uses generative learning, discovery learning, and situated learning.
- This involves possible social interaction with peers and experts, with time then given for both experiences and reflection.
- Students use "failures" to reflect and learn from.
When a teacher uses constructivism, the instructor will mentor peer interaction and the continuity of building on concepts already known by the students. The teacher is more of a helping guide to the students' learning, as opposed to a professor on a stage. Teachers who use this learning theory recognize that they are not the sole posessors of knowledge, and can learn with the students while they guide.
- All students will have a unique learning experience because learning is based on prior experience.
- Real world learning such as field trips, and information that is presented in a variety of ways for students to choose from both use constructivism as a learning theory. Collaborative learning platforms also allow for use of real world learning.