Learning Theories

Learning Theories
Theories and models about The way humans learn The role of teachers and learners in the educational process

Historical development Behaviourism Cognitivism Constructivism Implications for teaching and learning

Behaviourism
Definition Behaviourism is a theory of learning that only focuses on objectively observable, measurable behaviours and discounts mental activities Behaviour theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new behaviour

Behaviourism

Brain as black box (organ reacting to stimuli)

Input Output Response

Stimulus

Deterministic reaction Reaction can be either born or learned (conditioning) Brain as passive container to be filled by teacher Teacher knows what and how something can be learned input output stimulus response

Behaviourists (i) Edward L.Thorndike (connectionism)

Learning: - A process of trial and error or selecting & connecting bond - Stimulus Response - Bonds Patterns of behaviour - Bonds can be strengthened by (i) the readiness to learn (satisfied, disappointed) (ii) the effect of what you do (satisfying, unpleasant) (ii) being exercised frequently, recently, and vigorously

Implications of Thorndikes theories:

Appropriate motivation increases readiness Adequate consolidation activities and revision under conducive condition

Rewards and reinforcement to students desirable response

Provide opportunity to students to achieve success in their learning

Conditioning
Experiments by behaviourists identify conditioning as a universal learning process Conditioning yields a different behavioural pattern

Behaviourists (ii) B.F. Skinner

Learning: - Consists of association between response and reinforcement, not stimulus. Learning occurs because of the consequences that follow
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Behaviours that are reinforced tend to be repeated Behaviours that are not reinforced tend to be lost Students learns to response in a particular situation

Conditioning
Behavioral or operant conditioning Occurs when a response to a stimulus is reinforced Simple feedback system: if a reward or reinforcement follows the response to a stimulus, then the response becomes more probable in the future For example, leading behaviourist B.F. Skinner used reinforcement techniques to teach pigeons to dance

Reinforcement

A consequence that will increase the occurrence of operant behaviour Positive reinforcement: a pleasant stimulus is added to the situation after a behaviour is demonstrated Negative reinforcement: removal of an unpleasant stimulus from the situation after occurrence of a behaviour

Reinforcement

Punishment: a consequence that will decrease the occurrence of operant behaviour Positive punishment: unpleasant stimulus is added to the situation after a behaviour is demonstrated Negative punishment : removal of a pleasant stimulus from the situation after occurrence of a behaviour

Skinner suggested the use of Programmed Instruction materials to overcome the problem of inadequate positive reinforcement.

ISL Task

discuss the implications of behaviorism in the teaching and learning discuss the implications of behaviorism in the teaching and learning of mathematics in Malaysia classroom Search for a video clip from internet to show a mathematics class which emphasize on behaviorism Present outcomes of discussion in tutorial