LEARNING THEORIES

- Learning theories offer frameworks that help

understand how information is used, how
knowledge is created and how learning takes
place.
- 5 main educational learning theories:
- Behaviorism Learning Theory
- Cognitive Learning Theory
- Constructivism Learning Theory
- Humanism Leaning Theory
- Connectivism Learning Theory
Behaviorism Learning Theory
 Learning Through Association
In classical conditioning:
▪ Learning occurs by forming associations between naturally occurring stimuli and
a previously neutral stimulus
▪ The neutral stimulus must occur immediately before the naturally occurring one
▪ Focuses on automatic, naturally occurring behaviors
 Learning Through Reinforcement
In operant conditioning:
▪ Learning occurs when behaviors are followed by either reinforcement or
punishment
▪ The consequences must quickly follow the behavior
▪ Focuses on voluntary behaviors
Cognitive Learning Theory
Piaget’s 4 stages of development:
 Sensorimotor stage: During this period of cognitive development, children
learn about the world primarily through their senses.
 Preoperational stage: This stage is marked by the emergence of language and
learning through pretend play.
 Concrete operations stage: During this period, kids begin to utilize logic but
still think about the world very concretely.
 Formal operations stage: At this point, kids begin to use deductive reasoning
and can understand abstract, hypothetical ideas.
Constructivism Learning Theory
 Two important concepts of constructivist learning:
▪ More knowledgeable other: Vygotsky described the more knowledgeable other as
anyone with an understanding or ability level higher than the learner. This can often be
a teacher or adult, but it can also refer to peers with more knowledge about a specific
concept, task, or process.
▪ Zone of proximal development:
Vygotsky described the zone of proximal development as the range of knowledge or
ability that a person can display with the help of the more knowledgeable other, but
that they are not yet capable of performing independently.
Gradually expanding this zone is how people can learn
and improve their skills over time.
Humanism Leaning Theory
 emphasizes the freedom and autonomy of learners. It connects
the ability to learn with the fulfillment of other needs (building
on Maslow's hierarchy) and the perceived utility of the knowledge
by the learner.
Connectivism Learning Theory

 new learning theory that encourages students to combine

thoughts, theories, and information effectively. It acknowledges
technology's role in the learning process and encourages group
collaboration, problem-solving, and information understanding
through social media, online networks, blogs, and databases.