Learning

Theorists
Jessica Craig
EDIT 610
Jean Piaget
Piaget developed the theory of
cognitive development. Piaget
believed “all children journey
through the sensorimotor,
preoperational, concrete operations,
and formal operations stages of
development” (Babakr et. al., 2019,
p. 518).

His theory and perspective is still

used in learning today to help
teachers understand how their
students think and which strategies
would best help them.
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
Piaget’s theory of cognitive
development focuses on how
children learn and the nature of
what they are learning (Cherry,
2020). This looks different in each
stage of cognitive development.
For example, a baby understanding
a toy does not disappear simply
because it is out of sight, also
known as object permanence, is an
important development in the
sensorimotor stage.
Lev Vygotsky
Vygotsky developed many theories
mainly focusing on the importance of
social interaction to child
development, with a higher emphasis
on culture than cognitive
development (McLeod, 2020).

Vygotsky’s perspective is still used in

teaching and learning today. Many
teachers use his theory of scaffolding
to help students expand their
education.
 Constructivism
Vygotsky was a constructivist, essentially believing
that learning is not a mechanical process with
knowledge to be acquired but is constructed
through the environment in which we learn in and
the people around us (Hua Liu & Matthews, 2005).

An example of this theory can be found in

scaffolding, a tool developed by Vygotsky.
Scaffolding is a teaching method that helps students
learn more by pairing them with a teacher or more
advanced student. It is suggested that students learn
more this way compared to what they learn on their
own.
Ivan Pavlov
Pavlov developed the theory of
classical conditioning and had a big
influence on behaviorism. Pavlov
believed behavior is goal-directed
and we learn through association
(Rescorla, 1987).

Pavlov’s perspective is important

today because we have learned that
we can direct behaviors through
conditioning, such as how to get
students to behave in class.
 Behaviorism

Behaviorism is a learning theory that states all

behaviors are learned through the environment one
is in (Western Governors University, 2020). An
example of behaviorism would be Pavlov’s theory
of classical conditioning. This theory states that all
species learn through association. Pavlov’s famous
experiment with the dogs showed they were
conditioned to salivate in response to being fed.
Using Theories Learning about these theorists and theories
help me greatly as a teacher. Knowing
multiple learning theories can help me
connect with all my students and develop
materials that will reach them. It is also
important for me to understand how children
learn if I plan on teaching them effectively.

In my opinion, the most important aspects of

teaching and learning theories are those that
focus on how children learn and how their
environments affect them because all my
students come from different backgrounds.
Learning Theories &
Technology Learning theories are important when
incorporating technology. Using learning
theories allows instructors to design effective
content, especially in online courses
(Aldoobie, 2015).

The learning process is one of the most

important aspects of education, even when
technology is being integrated. Technology
fits within these perspectives because the type
of environment we live in today relies heavily
upon the use of technology.
 References
Aldoobie, N. (2015). Technology Integration and learning theory. American International Journal of
Contemporary Research, 5(6), 114-118. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from
http://aijcrnet.com/journals/Vol_5_No_6_December_2015/16.pdf

Babakr, Z.H., Mohamedamin, P., & Kakamad, K. (2019). Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory:
Critical review. Education Quarterly Reviews, 2(3), 517-524. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1274368.pdf

Cherry, K. (2020). The 4 stages of cognitive development. Verywell Mind. Retrieved August 5, 2021,
from https://www.verywellmind.com/piagets-stages-of-cognitive-development-2795457

Hua Liu, C., & Matthews, R. (2005). Vygotsky’s philosophy: Constructivism and its criticisms
examined. International Education Journal, 6(3), 386-399. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ854992.pdf

McLeod, S. (2021). Classical conditioning. Simply Psychology. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from
https://www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html

Rescorla, R.A. (1987). A pavlovian analysis of goal-directed behavior. American Psychologist, 42(2),
119-129. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.login.library.coastal.edu:2048/ehost/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=5194fc6
5-4dd4-41ad-a924-e2dbf445bba8%40sessionmgr101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3Q
tbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=EJ854992&db=eric

WGU. (2020). What is the behavioral learning theory? WGU. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html