Learning Theories

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Cognitivism

Citations

Constructivism

Behaviorism

BetterHelp Editorial Team. (2023). 4 Behavioral theorists that made their mark on psychology. Better Help https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/behavior/4-behavioral-theorists-that-made-their-mark-on-psychology/ Ertmer, P. & Newby, T. (2013). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism. Open Text Books. https://open.byu.edu/lidtfoundations/behaviorism_cognitivism_constructivism Tritsch, E. (2021). The three learning schemas: behaviorism, cognitivism, & Constructivism. Fairborn Digital Academy. https://fairborndigital.us/2021/09/23/the-three-learning-schemas-behaviorism-cognitivism-constructivism/

• Major theorist associated with the theory: John Broadus Watson, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, Edward Lee Thorndike, and Burrhus Frederic Skinner (BetterHelp Editorial Team, 2023)

• Major characteristics of the theory: The idea that human and animal behaviors are conditioned. Behaviors can be learned and reinforced through exposure. (BetterHelp Editorial Team, 2023)
• The role of memory according to the theory: The use of periodic practice or review serves to maintain a learner's readiness to respond (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).
• How learning occurs according to the theory: The behavior learned by an individual is through interactions with the environment (Tritsch, 2021). Behaviorism equates learning with changes in either the form or frequency of observable performace (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).
• The types of learning best explained by the theory: Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, and Observational Learning.

• Major theorist associated with the theory: Lev Vygotsky

• Major characteristics of the theory: The idea that individuals create an understanding and interpretation of lessons based on their prior experience and knowledge (Tritsch, 2021). All knowledge and learning exists solely inside the mind (Tritsch, 2021).
• The role of memory according to the theory: Memory is not a context-independent process. The goal of instruction is not to ensure that individuals know particular facts but rather that they elaborate on and interpret information (Ertmer & Newby).
• How learning occurs according to the theory: All knowledge builds upon prior knowledge (Tritsch, 2021). Constructivism equates learning with creating meaning from experience (Ertmer & Newby, 2013).
• The types of learning best explained by the theory: Advanced knowledge acquisition

• Major theorist associated with the theory: Jean Piaget

• Major characteristics of the theory: Treats individuals as mental beings that analyze and evaluate information (Tritsch, 2011). Learners think about and analyze their responses (Tritsch, 2021).
• The role of memory according to the theory: Memory is given a prominent role in the learning process (Ertmer & Newby). Learning results when information is stored in memory in an organized, meaningful manner (Ertmer & Newby).
• How learning occurs according to the theory: Learning is concerned not so much with what learners do but with what they know and how they come to acquire it (Ertmer & Newby). The learner is viewed as a very active participant in the learning process (Ertmer & Newby).
• The types of learning best explained by the theory: reasoning, problem-solving, and information processing.