Learning: Principles, theories, and educational applications

There are 3 main schema of learning theories; Behaviorism, Cognitive and Constructiveness. In this article you will find a breakdown of each one and an explanation of the 15 most influential learning theories; from Vygotsky to Piaget and Bloom to Maslow and Bruner.

Behaviorism is based on the idea that knowledge is independent and on the exterior of the learner. In a behaviorists mind, the learner is a blank slate that should be provided with the information to be learnt.

In contrast to behaviorism, cognitive focuses on the idea that students process information they receive rather than just responding to a stimulus, as with behaviorism. There is still a behavior change evident, but this is in response to thinking and processing information.

Constructiveness is based on the premise that we construct learning new ideas based on our own prior knowledge and experiences. Learning, therefore, is unique to the individual learner. Students adapt their models of understanding either by reflecting on prior theories or resolving misconceptions.

 Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

First, he focuses exclusively on children; Second, he talks about development (not learning per se) and Third, it’s a stage theory, not a linear progression theory.

1.      Schemas: The building blocks of knowledge.

2.      Adaptation processes: These allow the transition from one stage to another. He called these: Equilibrium, Assimilation and Accommodation.

3.      Stages of Cognitive development: Sensorimotor; Preoperational; Concrete Operational; Formal Operational.

 Vygotsky’s Theory of Learning

Vygotsky takes a different approach to Piaget’s idea that development precedes learning.

Instead, he reckons that social learning is an integral part of cognitive development and it is culture, not developmental Stage that underlies cognitive development. Because of that, he argues that learning varies across cultures rather than being a universal process driven by the kind of structures and processes put forward by Piaget.

The bottom line here is that the richer the sociocultural environment, the more tools will be available to the child and the more Social Speech they will internalize as Private Speech. It doesn’t take a genius to work out, therefore, that the learning environment and interactions are everything.

References

Ormrod, J.E., 1990. Human learning: Principles, theories, and educational applications. Merrill Publishing Co.

Stevens-Fulbrook, P., 2020. 15 Learning Theories In Education (A Complete Summary). [online] TeacherOfSci. Available at: <https://teacherofsci.com/learning-theories-in-education/#What_are_Learning_Theories> [Accessed 30 May 2020].