22U1IP INTRO TO LEARNING THEORIES

Running Head : LEARNING THEORIES

Introduction to Learning Theories

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Introduction to Learning Theories

Introduction

Learning is an integral part of everyday life . Over time , theorists have studied and explained various methods that help to accelerate and enhance the process of learning . Understanding these theories is important to the successful delivery of content and easy assimilation by students . This gives an overview of the theoretical perspectives associated with learning

Background on Behaviorism

Behaviorism is largely associated with Pavlov HYPERLINK "http /www .learningandteaching

.info /learning /behaviour .htm " \l "classicalconditioning classicalconditioning , who introduced the concept of classical conditioning , and with Thorndike , John B .Watson and particularly Skinner in the United States , who introduced operant conditioning (Phillips Soltis , 1998 . Other behaviorist theorists include Guthrie , Hull , Tolman and James Hartley (Smith , 1999

Behaviorist theories employ one or both of two major classes of explanations for learning : those based on contiguity (how close in time two events must be for a bond to be formed ) and those based on the effects of behavior , which are reinforcement and punishment (Smith 1999

Three key principles involved in behaviorism theory are : 1 ) Learning is faster when it is associated with activity . 2 ) Frequent practice is necessary for learning to take place . 3 ) Reinforcement is the basic motivator positive reinforcements like rewards , recognition , praise and success are preferable to negative reinforcements like punishments and failures (Smith , 1999

Learning Process

According to the behaviorism theory , learning is dependent on the environment and not on the individual . Learning also depends on the level of practice and reinforcements received , whether positive or negative ( Learning , 1999 . Behaviorism however , discounts mental activity . According to Smith , three assumptions fortify this view : the first is that observable behavior rather than internal thought processes are subject . Secondly , the environment shapes one 's behavior and thirdly , the principles of contiguity and reinforcement are fundamental to explaining the learning process (1999

Instruction Outcomes

The positive and negative reinforcement techniques of behaviorism can be very effective . Behaviorism is used by teachers , who reward or punish student behaviors . Instruction should be given to students with the aid or reinforcements . The role of instructors in this learning process is to organize the environment in a way that will produce the desired behavior (Phillips Soltis , 1998

Background on Cognitivism

Cognitive theorists include Koffka , Kohler , HYPERLINK "http /www .infed .org /thinkers /et-lewin .htm " Lewin , Piaget , Ausubel HYPERLINK "http /www .infed .org /thinkers /bruner .htm " Bruner , and Gagne . Cognitivism is based on the principle that instruction should be well-organized because well structured materials are easier to learn and remember . Other key principles state that the way a problem is displayed is important if learners are to understand it , different people have different approaches to learning , and that things must fit with what is already known if they are to be learnt (Smith , 1999

Learning Process

The theory assumes that learning can take place without reinforcement or a change in behavior . Factors that influence learning are the way a person thinks and the manner in which new knowledge is passed across

Instruction Outcomes

The cognitive theory proposes that it is important for instructional materials to be organized and presented in a way that is familiar to the student , that a child 's learning style is determined by him , and that reinforcements come through the knowledge of results , rather than rewards ( Learning ,1999

Background on Constructivism

Constructivism can be traced to the work of philosopher Giambattista Vico . Other major contemporaries that also developed an understanding of the theory were Jean Piaget , John Dewey , and t . The principle of this theory is based on the assumption that rules and perceptions generated by an individual are used to make sense of experiences . There are two major guiding principles of constructivism , they are : 1 Learning focuses mainly on concepts , not isolated facts . 2 ) The purpose of learning is for an individual to construct his or her own meaning and not just accept the answers proffered or someone else 's meaning

Learning Process

Learning is seen as the process of adjusting perceptions to accommodate new experiences . The way a child thinks influences learning to a large extent . Students are encouraged to analyze , interpret , solve problems and predict information

Instruction Outcomes

. Teachers are encouraged to rely on open-ended questions that promote dialogue and discussions amongst students . This allows students to take responsibility for their own learning and defend their ideas

Conclusion

Learning theories , when applied to learning , help to provide a clearer picture of how learning and thinking processes can be improved upon in the classroom . Understanding these theories and how they affect individuals help to fast track teaching , develop effective instructional methodologies and correct learning disabilities

References

HYPERLINK "http /www .sil .org /LinguaLinks " Lingualinks Library (1999 . Behaviorist theory of learning (Skinner . Retrieved March 25 2008 , Website

Phillips , D .C Soltis , F .J (1998 . Perspectives on Learning , Chapter 3 . Teachers College Press

Smith , M . K (1999 . The behaviorist orientation to learning . The encyclopedia of informal education , HYPERLINK "http /www .infed .org /biblio /b-learn .htm www .infed .org /biblio /b-learn .htm , Last update : December 28 , 2007

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