Although there are many different approaches to learning, there are three basic types of learning theory: behaviorist, cognitive constructivist, and social constructivist. This section provides a brief introduction to each type of learning theory. The theories are treated in four parts: a short historical introduction, a discussion of the view of knowledge presupposed by the theory, an account of how the theory treats learning and student motivation, and, finally, an overview of some of the instructional methods promoted by the theory is presented.
| Behaviorism | Cognitive Constructivism | Social Constructivism |
| View of knowledge | Knowledge is a repertoire of behavioral responses to environmental stimuli. | Knowledge systems of cognitive structures are actively constructed by learners based on pre-existing cognitive structures. | Knowledge is constructed within social contexts through interactions with a knowledge community. |
| View of learning | Passive absorption of a predefined body of knowledge by the learner. Promoted by repetition and positive reinforcement. | Active assimilation and accommodation of new information to existing cognitive structures. Discovery by learners is emphasized. | Integration of students into a knowledge community. Collaborative assimilation and accommodation of new information. |
| View of motivation | Extrinsic, involving positive and negative reinforcement. | Intrinsic; learners set their own goals and motivate themselves to learn. | Intrinsic and extrinsic. Learning goals and motives are determined both by learners and extrinsic rewards provided by the knowledge community. |
| Implications for teaching | Correct behavioral responses are transmitted by the teacher and absorbed by the students. | The teacher facilitates learning by providing an environment that promotes discovery and assimilation/accommodation. | Collaborative learning is facilitated and guided by the teacher. Group work is encouraged. |
FAQs
In simple terms, theories of learning are ideas about the ways students learn and retain information. These principles provide different frameworks that teachers can use to adapt to students' diverse learning styles and academic needs.
What are the three learning theories summarized? ›
Behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism are three prominent learning theories. These theories try to develop efficient learning programs and study the psychology involved in an individual's ability to learn. Each of these theories has its own virtues, allowing educators to employ them to various degrees.
What are the 5 educational learning theories research and give a short explanation each of them? ›
There are 5 overarching paradigms of educational learning theories; behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, design/brain-based, humanism and 21st Century skills. Below, you will find a brief outline of each educational learning theory, along with links to resources that may be helpful.
What is the purpose of learning theories? ›
Educational theory, including theories of learning and theories of instruction, provides explanations about the underlying mechanisms involved in learning and teaching. Such theories tell us why and under what circ*mstances certain learning strategies and teaching methods work, while others do not.
How to use learning theories in the classroom? ›
Applying Learning Theories in the Classroom
- Incorporate plenty of feedback at consistent, frequent intervals.
- Encourage solo work so students can demonstrate their understanding and progress.
- Consider incorporating other teachers from separate subjects into your approach for a more comprehensive technique.
If you're a teacher , these theories can help you connect with your students and focus on each student's strengths. By learning about the most common learning theories, you can make sure you're doing everything you can to help others better understand and retain information, both in class and through online learning.
What are the four types of learning styles? ›
There are 4 predominant learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic. While most of us may have some general idea about how we learn best, often it comes as a surprise when we discover what our predominant learning style is.
What are the five methods of teaching? ›
Teaching Methods
| Teaching Approach | Teaching Method |
|---|
| Teacher-Centered | Just-in-Time Teaching |
| Student-Centered | Interactive Lecture |
| Experiential Learning |
| Case-based Learning |
9 more rowsEveryone processes and learns new information in different ways. There are three main cognitive learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The common characteristics of each learning style listed below can help you understand how you learn and what methods of learning best fits you.
What are the three domains of learning theory? ›
Schematic representing thoughts, emotions, and behavior or what to think, what to feel, and what to do. The three domains of learning are cognitive, affective, and psychom*otor. There are a variety of methods in professional development events to engage the different learning domains.
TEACHING APPROACH It is a set of principles, beliefs, or ideas about the nature of learning which is translated into the classroom.An approach is a way of looking at teaching and learning. Underlying any language teaching approach is a theoretical view of what language is, and of how it can be learnt.
What is an example of cognitive learning theory? ›
An example of cognitive learning is the practice of reflection. When individuals must reflect on their learning, they are given the opportunity to form connections between the information they knew before and new information, resulting in a deeper understanding of new information.
What is the cognitive theory of teaching? ›
Cognitive theory: a learning theory of psychology that attempts to explain human behavior by understanding the thought processes. knowledge in memory and facilitating recall. This implies that teachers should: o Be mindful of the learner's prior clinical experiences before judging the learner's performance.
What is the cognitive learning theory in the classroom? ›
Cognitive Learning Theory asks us to think about thinking and how thinking can be influenced by internal factors (like how focused we are, or how distracted we've become) and external factors (like whether the things we are learning are valued by our community or whether we receive praise from others when we learn).
What is an example of learning theory? ›
Examples of social learning theory in everyday life are prevalent, with one of the most common being children who imitate family members, friends, famous figures, and even television characters. If a child perceives there is a meaningful reward for such behavior, they will perform it at some point.
What is learning theory in early childhood education? ›
Theory: Learning is an active process where children construct their understanding of the world by reflecting on their experiences. Teachers facilitate and guide learners in their knowledge construction journey.
