Five Current Learning Theories

Learning theories unpack complex cognitive processes and provide useful mental models for
educators to structure and design courses around, while also providing insights on best practice
during and after learning experiences. However, even for the most experienced educator,
navigating through the multitude of learning methodologies out there can be a daunting
experience. The following summary cuts through some of the complexity to get to focus on the
essential components of different learning theories in education, and how this might translate to
the classroom or corporate workplace. 

1. Behaviourism:
Behaviourism is a pedagogical theory that defines learning as a process of knowledge acquisition
that takes place through observation (i.e., based on objectively quantifiable events rather than
introspective psychology). No doubt, you have probably heard of Pavlov’s dog before. Pavlovian
conditioning, named after the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, is when a particular stimulus is
used to elicit a predictable response. Pavlov discovered that he could trigger salivation in dogs
through the use of a bell, after associating that bell with food. Educational theorists such as B.F.
Skinner revised Pavlov’s theory of ‘learning by association’ by putting forward a theory of operant
conditioning, that demonstrated that behaviours of learners could be influenced by positive or
negative reinforcements.

2. Cognitivism
Cognitivism, as suggested by the name, focuses on cognitive processes of the mind such as
thinking, memory, recall, and problem-solving. Similar to behaviourism, cognitivism is about
learning via association; however, the emphasis is placed on internal processing rather than the
external environment.
3. Constructivism:

Constructivism is a student-centred learning theory that is based on cumulatively building

understandings from students’ prior experiences and knowledge. In other words, to continue
the construction analogy, learning becomes a process of constructing new knowledge on the
foundation of what is already known. Essentially, it places learning in a familiar context and aims
to translate abstract theories into relatable concepts.

Constructivism provides an alternative to teacher-directed curriculum design by essentially

allowing student experiences to dictate the direction of learning. Because constructivist-oriented
learning revolves around the understandings and experiences of the students, it is inherently a
dynamic and ever-changing process.
4. Humanism:
Humanism approaches learning and education with a growth mindset. Similar to constructivism,
humanism is a school of educational thought that is inherently student-centred. Humanistic
education derives many of its values from the intellectual movement of the seventeenth century,
where philosophes such as Voltaire (1642-1778) believed that humans were born with innate
potential.
Humanistic education, therefore, focuses on fostering individual potential and personal growth.
Humanism tends to be even more individual-focused than constructivism, with an emphasis
placed on choice and autonomy. Educators adopting a humanist approach aim to foster self-
directed learning among students, in the belief intrinsic motivation to learn comes from this. In
order to support self-directed learning, teaching students how to learn becomes a key priority.
Along the same lines, humanist educators believe that learners should be given opportunities to
evaluate their own learning, whether that be through formalized self-assessment or descriptive,
reflective journaling.

5. Connectivism:

Connectivism is inherently a future-focused learning theory. It is a relatively recent pedagogical

view that takes into account the changing nature of knowledge acquisition in our digital age. In
contrast to constructivism, which revolves around what a learner already knows, connectivism
pinpoints what a learner needs to know, and targets the learning at a relevant time of need.
While connectivity generally believe that expanding knowledge is ultimately more important than
taking into account prior knowledge, connectivism allows learners to situate new knowledge
within existing schemas of understanding. Similar to humanism, connectivism empowers students
to make their own learning decisions. Students are aided in this learning process by technology,
which assists in threading together different strands of knowledge.