Learning Theories …

In today’s class we had a look at the theories of learning. Below is a summary of these theories and attached is information provided in our module outline.

Attachment: Learning Theories

We were also directed to this website for more information http://tip.psychology.org

Theories of Learning

Behaviorism

• Involves the process of conditioning and observable behaviour
• Looks at the relationship between cause and effect in response to a stimulus
• Learning becomes a modification of behaviour by applying stimuli, shaping responses and provisions of reinforcement
• Requires practice and feedback otherwise skill may appear lost (frequency of repetition and ensuring response is not ignored)
• Classic conditioning can be demonstrated by our ability to generalize our responses to stimuli
• Operant conditioning is where people learn to behave a way in which allows them to obtain what they want or avoid things they don’t want (positive and negative reinforcement)
• Ignoring reinforcements will lead to an extinction of response. The learner must be able to respond actively
• Frequency of repetition and reinforcement is vital
• Generalizations can suggest importance of practice in varied situations (learning transfer)
• Immediate feedback of results is strongly motivating. It should be straight after or before the next attempt
• Shaping behaviour by reinforcement of responses is essential to learning new skills.

Cognitivism

• It differs from behaviourism as it focuses on the process between learning and performing skill
• Learning is based on the re-organisation of experiences into systematic and meaningful patterns that lead to problem solving and insight
• Use of grouping, hooking and pegging
• Pre test used to test existing knowledge while post test becomes the comparison of learning obtained

Humanist

• Influenced by cognitive approach but focuses on individuals seeking self esteem, personal adequacy and self actualization
• Can be blended with other theories

Constructivism

• Involves schema-mental model which builds on personal interactions with others and are unique to each individual
• Dependant on prior knowledge
• Involves repetition with increasing detail (spiral)
• Can include taking knowledge and applying it to live situations
• No final formal assessment

Social Learning

• Can be blended with other theories but focuses on experience, observation and modelling (mentoring)
• Involves 4 processes – attention, retention, reproduction and reinforcement

Social Constructivism

• Is a blend of social and constructivism theories