Module 4

Learning
Theories and Style
Presented by: Marilyn G. Dagalea
 Objective
:

Explain the learning theories and learning

styles
 Theory is a way to explain some observed
phenomenon. Expresses as abstract thoughts or general
subject principles, theories help make sense of the world
and research findings. (The Meriam-Webster Dictionary ,
2016).
 Learning Theories
A. Behavioral Learning Theories
1. Ivan Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning
- term classical means “in the established manner”
- In this process a new stimulus, previously a neutral
one, is substituted for the stimulus which originally elicited
the response.
2. Edward Thorndlike’s Connectionism
- believed that all learning is explained by bonds or
connections that are formed between the stimulus and response.
- connectionism means learning by selecting and connecting.
He formulated three major
laws of learning :
A. Law of readiness – readiness is a very
important conditioning in learning .
B. Law of exercise – explain that any connection
is strengthen in proportion to the number of
times it occurs and in proportion to the average
and duration of the connection.
C. Law of effect – when the organism’s response
is accompanied or followed by a satisfactory
state, the strength of the connection is
increased.
3. Burrhus Skinner’s Reinforcement and Operant Conditioning
- reinforcement was proven to be powerful tool in shaping and controlling
behavior, both in and out of the classroom.
- Skinner emphasized that the environment had much greater influence
controlling behavior, both in and out of the classroom.
B. Cognitive Learning Theories
1. Kurt Lewin’s field Theory
- Develop a system for diagramming how human behavior is influence
by positive and negative forces and by the direction of these forces.
2. Wolfgang kohler’s Problem- solving theory
- gaining insight is a gradual process of exploring, analyzing and
restructuring perception until a solution is arrived at.
C. Social Cognitive Theories
1. Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Learning
- Bandura in his series of experiments concluded that quite
often learning takes place when one person observers and then
imitates the behavior of others. Thus, he called the theory
“observational Theory”.
How does learning
occur?

Learning occurs as the individual interacts with

his/her environment and incorporates and
applies new information or experience to what
he/ she already knows or has learned.
Environmental Factors:
a. society
b. culture
c. the structure or pattern of the stimuli
d. the effectiveness or credibility of models and reinforcements
e. feedback from correct and incorrect response.
f. and opportunities to process and apply learning to new situation
(Bastable, 2003)
The Learning Experience
Core
When dealing with the question of how people are able to retain what has
been learned, it has been show that people retain.
a. 10% of what they read
b. 20% of what they hear
c. 30% of what they see or watch
d. 50 % of what they hear and see
e. 70% of what they say
f. 90% of what they say and do
 Domains of Learning
1. Cognitive Learning
- this domain of learning is the acquisition of
facts, knowledge, understanding, concepts,
reasoning, formulas and like.
2. Affective or Attitudinal Learning
- this type of learning is the acquisition of good
and acceptable attitudes, judgement, applications,
behavior, values and the like.
3. Psychomotor learning
- involves the use of muscles in bodily
movements
Cognitive Learning
A. Knowledge
B. Comprehension
C. Application
D. Synthesis
E. Evaluation
 Kind of
Learning
a. Abstract Learning
b. Social Learning
c. Direct and indirect Learning
d. Congenital, temporary and permanent
e. Ideational Learning
Mode of Learning
1. Formal Learning
2. Informal Learning
3. Sensory Learning
Levels of
Learning
1. Signal Learning
2. Stimulus-Response Learning
3. Chaining
4. Verbal Association
5. Discrimination Learning
6. Concept Learning
7. Principle Learning/Rule Learning
8. Problem-Solving
 Types of Learning
The VARK Model
• Visual Learners
•Auditory Learners
• Read and Writing Learners
• Kinesthetic
Learning Style
Learning Styles are way in which an
individual processes information or different
approaches or methods of learning. The
habitual manner in which learners receive and
perceive information, process it , understand it
,value it, sort it, and recall it.
 Basic Concepts of Cognitive Style
Holistic vs Analytical Thinking
Holistic Thinker – look at the global or big picture immediately and
are interested in the gist of things, the essence, or the general idea.
Analytical Thinker- think logically and objectively, looking into
details.
Verbal vs Visual representation
- People with verbal approach represent in their minds what they
read, see, or hear as in terms of words or verbal associations.
- people with visual approach experience in their minds what they
read, see or hear as mental picture of images.
 Kolb’s Theory Experiential Learning
Kolb’s describe each learning style as a combination of four basic models
which are:
A. Concrete Experience (CE) – abilities: Learning from actual experience
B. Reflective Observation (RO) – abilities: Learning by observing others
C. Abstract Conceptualization (AC) – abilities: Creating theories to explain
what is seen
D. Active Experimentation (AE) – abilities : using theories to solve
problems
 Kolb’s Learning
Style
A. Converger – learns by Abstract Conceptualization and Active
Experimentation
Characteristics:
a. good at decision-making
b. problem-solving
c. prefers dealing with technical work than interpersonal relationship
d. uses deductive reasoning to solve problems
e. uses facts and data
f. has skills for technology and specialist careers
Learning Abilities:
1. Learns best through demonstration
2. return-demonstration methods assisted handout,
diagrams, charts and illustration.
B. Diverger –stresses more on Concrete Experience (CE) and Reflective
Observation (RO)
Characteristics:
a. people and feeling oriented
b. Likes to work in groups
Learning Methods
1. Learns best through group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
2. Consider different perspective and point of view when looking at a concrete
situation or experience.
C. Accomodator – relies heavenly Concrete Experience (CE) and
Active Experimentation (AE)
Characteristics:
a. risk-taker
b. often using trial-and error methods in solving problems
c. acts on intuition
d. instinct or gut feelings rather than on logic
e. as achiever
Learning Methods:
1. enjoys role-playing, gaming and computer simulation
2. these learners are the most challenging to educators because
they learn best through new and exciting learning
experiences.
3. and are not afraid of taking risks which may sometimes
endanger their safety.
D. Assimilator – emphasizes Abstract Conceptualization (AC) and
Reflective Observation (RO).
Characteristics:
a. more concerned with abstract ideas than people
b. very good in inductive reasoning
c. creating theoretical models
d. integrating ideas
e. actively applying them
f. uses logical thinking
Learning Methods:
1. they learn best through lectures
2. one-to-one instruction
3. self-instruction methods with ample reading materials.
Gregorc Cognitive Styles Model
Has been identified four sets of dualities, concrete sequential,
concrete random, abstract sequential and abstract random that
consist of two parts.
a. perception – the way one receives or grasp arranges or grasp
incoming information or stimulus
b. Ordering of Knowledge – the way one arranges and systematizes
incoming stimuli.
 Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence

A theory specific to children’s learning styles. Theory of multiple

intelligence (Gardner) states that there are various types of talent or nine
forms of intelligence which may all be fully developed in a gifted child but
on the average, about three to four types may be possessed or
developed by an individual or child.
Thank You!