Learning Theories Comparison Table

Theory Behaviorism Constructivism Cognitivism Connectivism Andragogy

I. Pavlov, J. L. Vygotsky, J. J. Bruner, A. G. Siemens, S. M. Knowles

Authors Watson, B.F. Piaget, J. Bruner Bandura Downes
Skinner

Uses techniques of Instruction that Focuses on how Learners combine Focus is on the
stimulus and incorporates the connections are thoughts, theories, practice and the
response to learner's own made, rather than and general science of adult
condition their interests and the nature of information in a learning. Learners
subjects. motivations. The connections useful manner and contribute to their
Behaviorists may learner in essence themselves. that technology is a own learning which
try to control the is constructing their Relates more to part of the learning can be more
Overview environment in own learning. metacognition process and that effective if it is more
which learning can (being aware of our constant active and relevant.
emphasize the your own thinking connectedness
impact of the stimuli process)
gives us
they choose to help
opportunities to
reinforce also
make choices
known as desired
behavior change. about our learning

Stimulus and Knowledge is How learning is Social and Adult learners who
responsible, constructed on working or technological tend to be more
observable existing knowledge functioning in the setting and use to self-driven based
Key Concept behavior and experience mind construct on prior
knowledge background and
experience search
for solutions within
their environment
 Conditioning Zone of proximal Working and long Nodes, Links Self-concept, adult
development, term memory, learner experience,
Key Theory scaffolding cognitive load readiness to
theory
learn,orientation to
learning

Is extrinsically An active An active Explores various Is Intrinsically

motivated, will participant in participant in the ideas and practices motivated, has prior
produce an creating or creation of the knowledge and
Role of the learner expected behavior constructing their process of experience, and
through repetition own learning or knowledge gaining wants mew
knowledge knowledge that is
applicable and
relevant

Controls the Facilitates an active Creates an Connects learners Recognize learner

learning learning environment where with other learners autonomy with
environment where environment various thought and networks regards to their
there is positive through process take place prior knowledge
Role of instructor and negative collaboration and experience
reinforcement due
to the response of
the stimulus for
expected behavior

Recall, association, Higher order Information Combination all Knowledge and

Types of learning generalization, learning by making processing and learning theories in skills that are
associated with chaining connections strategies of connection with relevant for use
theory storage and technology immediately
retrieval

Gamification Case studies, More text and More use of Transformational,

How best to use in research projects, images with real modern digital experiential, or
eLearning collaborative work, world examples, technology self-directed
simulations analogies