Learning Theories Learning Theories Catherine Mendoza June 27, 2008 Project II

Cognitive Theories Learning is a process of relating new information to previously learned. Knowledge is organized. Individuals are actively involved in the learning process

Behaviorist Theories Organisms are born as blank slates. Learning is learning is largely the result of environment events. The most useful theories tend to be parsimonious ones

Vygotsky and his Social Cognition Two sorts of child’s intellectual are: First, children acquire the content of their thinking, that is, their knowledge. Second, the process if their thinking is the tools of intellectual adaptation.

B.F. Skinner and his Behaviorism Two different types of conditioning. Classic conditioning: When a natural reflex responds to a stimulus ( animal and people are wired). Operant conditioning: When a response to a stimulus is reinforced. Skinner used techniques to teach pigeons to dance and bowl a ball.

B.F. Skinner ways of teaching Behaviorism is often used by teachers, who reward or punish student behavior. The learner should be able to put together his own response rather than select from alternatives. The success of such a machine depends on the material used in it.

Vygotsky Impacts Learning Curriculum: Children learn through interaction between learner and learning. Instruction: Children can perform tasks that they are incapable of completing on their own. Assessment: Children can do on their own is their level of development.

Educational Behaviorist Behavior changes can confirm that learning has taken place. Student learn when they actually have a chance to behave. Rewards or reinforcement for learning

Educational Cognitive Cognitive processes influence learning. Children organize the things they learn. People control their own learning.

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