LEARNING THEORIES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM.

What is learning theory?

Learning theories of a framework that help understand how information is used how
knowledge is created and how learning takes place. Learning designers can apply this framework
according to different learning and learner needs and make more informed decisions about
choosing the right instructional practices. No two students are alike , and the way every person
learns will vary. Our brains are all unique, and our experiences all contributed to different ways
we learn.

Psychologists have spent countless hours performing tests to better understand how
students learn. Current and aspiring teachers need to be educated to be prepared for teaching
students every day and an important part of the teacher -education understands different ways of
learning. There are many solidified learning theories that teachers can learn from as they prepare
to help Students in the classroom. Teachers who understand learning theories can use different
techniques in their classrooms to cater the different kinds of learning, this can help all students
find success in learning.

There are five main educational learning theories that educators can utilize to help them
enhance their classrooms and make them a better learning environment for all students.

Theory #1: Behaviorism / Behaviorist Learning theory

 utilizes key ideas from the work of Burrhus Frederic Skinner an American
psychologist, who theorized that learning occurs through a series of rewards or
punishments, While Skinner believed that all learning could occur this way, the
Behaviorist Theory is most commonly utilized in classrooms today as a tool for
behavior" management.
 According to Skinner, rewards increase the likelihood that behaviors will be
repeated, while punishment decreases the likelihood repetition. He also theorized
that rewards and punishments could be either positive or negative in nature.

What does this mean? When we give or add something to the environment the
interaction is positive. When we take something away the interaction is negative.
Theory #2: Cognitivism / Cognitive Learning Theory

 Cognitive Learning Theory is "largely based on the work of Jean Piaget who
rejected the idea that learners are passive and simply reacts to stimuli in the
environment. Instead of focusing solely on observable behavior Cognitive Theory
seeks to explain how the mind works during the learning process. Like a computer
the mind takes in information, processes that information then uses that
information to "produce leaning outcomes.

 Plaget's 4 stages of Development indicate the learner's ability to understand

abstract, complex concepts.

Theory #3: Constructivism / Constructivists Learning Theory,

 See the learner as a constructor of knowledge. New learning is shaped by

schemas, which the learner brings to the learning process. Lev Vygotsky is an
important founder of constructivist Learning Theory.

 Vygotsky believed that learning is a collaborative process, and that social

Interaction Is fundamental, for cognitive development. According to Vygotsky,
students learn best when working collaboratively with those whose proficiency
level is higher than their own, allowing them to complete tasks they are not yet
able to do independently. Vygotsky identified these concepts as the More
knowledgeable other and the zone of proximental development.

 Constructivist classrooms are students- centered, with the teacher acting as the
facilitators.