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Learning Theories.

Studying

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19 views2 pages

Learning Theories.

Studying

Uploaded by

mayamikodenja10
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LEARNING THEORIES

Learning theories are conceptual frameworks that describe how information is absorbed,
processed and retained during learning. Learning brings together cognitive, emotional and
environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing or making changes in one's
knowledge, skills and values. There are three main categories of learning theory. They are
behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism.

Behaviorism focuses only on the objectively observable aspects of learning. Cognitive theories
look beyond behavior to explain brain-based learning and constructivism views learning as a
process in which the learner actively constructs or builds new ideas or concepts. Apart from the
traditional theories of learning many new theories have been evolved as a change in society.

1) Behaviorism

Behaviorist Theory maintains a focus on the change in observable behaviors as the manifestation
of learning. The theory emphasizes changes in behaviors due to the influence and control of the
external environment, rather than the internal thought process of the subject. The hypothesis
behind behaviorist learning theories is that all learning occurs when behavior is influenced and
changed by external factors (Merriam & Caffarella, 1999). The founders and proponents of this
theory are John B. Watson in the early 20th century, B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov and others. The
key concept in this theory is stimulus-response. According to this theory all behavior is caused
by external stimuli. All behavior can be explained without the need to consider internal mental
states or consciousness. In this theory the learner is viewed as passive, responding to
environmental stimuli.

2) Cognitivism

The Cognitive Learning Theory explains why the brain is the most incredible network of
information processing and interpretation in the body as we learn things. This theory can be
divided into two specific theories:

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT). The basic concept of
learning mainly focuses on the Cognitive Learning Theory. This theory has been used to explain
mental processes as they are influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which eventually
bring about learning in an individual. According to this theory the learner is viewed as
information processor. This theory determines how processes such as thinking, memory,
knowing and problem-solving occur. Cognitive Learning Theory implies that the different
processes concerning learning can be explained by analyzing the mental processes first. It proves
that with effective cognitive processes, learning is easier and new information can be stored in
the memory for a long time. On the other hand, ineffective cognitive processes result in learning
difficulties that can be seen anytime during the lifetime of an individual.

Social Cognitive Theory: The Social cognitive theory includes 3 variables, namely, behavioral
factors, environmental factors (extrinsic) and personal factors (intrinsic). These 3 variables in
Social Cognitive Theory are said to be interrelated with each other, causing learning to occur. An
individual’s personal experience can converge with the behavioral determinants and the
environmental factors.

Cognitive Behavioral Theory: Cognitive behavioral theory describes the role of cognition
(knowing) to determining and predicting the behavioral pattern of an individual. This theory was
developed by Aaron Beck. The Cognitive behavioral theory says that individuals tend to form
self-concepts that affect the behavior they display. These concepts can be positive or negative
and can be affected by a person’s environment.

3) Constructivism:

Constructivism is a synthesis of multiple theories diffused into one form. It is the assimilation of
both behaviorist and cognitive ideals. Constructivists believe learner- centric instructional
classroom methods will strengthen the commitment and involvement of self-motivated learners
because of their high level of interaction. Today’s trend in incorporating technology into the
classrooms to support instructional learning methods is founded on this theory of learning. The
founders and proponents of this theory are John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner, Lev
Vygotsky and others. The basic idea of this theory is learning is an active and constructive
process. According to this theory, the learner is viewed as information constructor. People
actively construct or create their own subjective representations of objective reality. New
information is linked to prior knowledge.

A reaction to didactic approaches such as behaviorism and programmed instruction,


constructivism states that learning is an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge
rather than acquiring it. Knowledge is constructed based on personal experiences and hypotheses
of the environment. Learners continuously test these hypotheses. Each person has a different
interpretation and construction of knowledge process.

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