Introduction

Learning theoriesrefers 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 learners interaction with the
environment

Steps in Teaching- Learning

Process

Assess the Learning needs

Identify the knowledge, skills and
attitude needed
Develop a teaching plan
Implement a teaching plan
Evalute

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:
Learning is manifested by a change in behavior.
The environment shapes behavior.
The principles of contiguity and reinforcement.

Behaviourism includes:
Classical Conditioning Pavlov
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:
Memory system is an active organized
processor of information and
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.

Attributes of the Learner

Intelligence
Problem Solving/ Thinking skills
Creativity
Emotion
Motivation
Attitude