EDUCATION

THEORISTS

BURRHUS FREDERIC
SKINNER
Based on his concept of reinforcement, Skinner taught
that students learn best when taught by positive
reinforcement and that students should be engaged in
the process, not simply passive listeners. He
hypothesized that students who are taught via
punishment learn only how to avoid punishment.

LEV VYGOTSKY
Vygotsky's theory has been used to inspire
a focus on interactive and collaborative
organisations of teaching and learning
that encourage students to learn from
social interactions with peers and with the
teacher.

JEROME SEYMOUR
BRUNER
Bruner developed a social science curriculum that was
widely used during the 1960s and '70s. He also studied
perception in children, concluding that children's individual
values significantly affect their perceptions. Bruner
published extensively.

SIGMUND FREUD
Significance of Freud's work to educational theory:
Freud's greatest contribution was his attempt to
formulate a scientific psychology. His discovery of the
emotional nature of unconscious motivations is significant
for educational theory. The human organism is a social
organism.

ERIK ERIKSON

Erikson contributed to early years education in a great way,

including being the first psychoanalyst in Boston. He helped both
teaching professionals and parents understand better how
people, especially children, can form their own identities through
the different life stages and developments they go through.
 EDUCATION
THEORISTS

JEAN PIAGET

Piaget suggested the teacher's role involved providing

appropriate learning experiences and materials that
stimulate students to advance their thinking. His theory
has influenced concepts of individual and student-
centred learning, formative assessment, active learning,
discovery learning, and peer interaction.

JOHN H. FLAVELL
He conducted extensive research into
metacognition and the child's theory of
mind. One of his most famous contributions
to the field is his work on children's
developing understanding of the
distinction between appearance and
reality.