Theories of Learning

Introduction

• Learning theories refers to theoretical frameworks which try to explain how people and animals learn, thereby helping us understand the inherently complex process of learning.
• Learning refers to “a persisting change in human performance   or performance potential brought about   as a result of the learner’s interaction with the   environment”
• There are three main categories of learning theories:
  • Behaviorism -focuses only on the objectively observable aspects of learning.
  • Cognitive theories - look beyond behavior to explain brain-based learning.
  • Constructivism - learning as a process in which the learner actively constructs or builds new ideas or concepts.

Behaviorism

• First explained by B. F. Skinner
• Ivan Pavlov - Classical Conditioning Theory
• Refers to observable and measurable behavior
•  Three basic assumptions of behaviourism are:
1. Learning is manifested by a change in behavior.
2. The environment shapes behavior.
3. The principles of contiguity and reinforcement.
• Behaviourism includes:
1. Classical Conditioning - Pavlov
2. Operant Conditioning - Skinner

Cognitive Theories

• Cognitive theories consider the thought process behind the behavior.
• It states changes in behavior as indicators to what is happening inside the learner's mind.
• Cognitive theories make two basic assumptions:
  1. Memory system is an active organized processor of information and
  2. Prior knowledge plays an important role in learning.

Constructivism

• Jean Piaget, John Dewey
• " learners construct knowledge for themselves from an interaction between their experiences and their ideas"
• Constructivism explains learning as a process in which the learner actively constructs or builds new ideas or concepts based upon current and past knowledge or experience.
• Constructivism focuses on preparing the learner to problem solve in ambiguous situations.

Conclusion

• Learning theories gives a general explanation for how people learn.
• These theories are applied in educational psychology, curriculum development, instructional methodology.

References

1. Chauhan SS. Advanced educational psychology. 5th edition. New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House PVT LTD; 1993.
2. Mangal SK. Educational psychology. 8th edition. Ludhiana: Prakash Brothers Educational Publisher’s; 1990.