Learning Theories Nina P. Driaza Sect. 5552

Outline Behaviorism Cognitivism Constructivism

Behaviorism Definition: “study of behavior as related to stimulus and response, and the consequences associated with it.” B.F. Skinner: “Learning is a function of change in behavior” Changes in behavior → individual’s response to stimuli. Stimulus-Response (S-R) pattern Reinforcement is the key Principles of Skinner’s theory: 1. Behavior that receives positive reinforcement will be repeated. 2. Presentation of small amounts of information aids reinforcement. 3. Reinforcements will “generalize across stimuli producing secondary conditioning.”

Cognitivism Definition: the study of cognition- mental activity. “Learning is a mental process.” G. Miller: Chunking & short term memory TOTE (Test-Operate-Test- Exit) Principles of Miller’s theory: 1. Short term memory is limited to 7 chunks of information. 2. Planning (TOTE) is a “fundamental cognitive process.” 3. Behavior is organized hierarchically.

Constructivism Definition: “study of learning as a process in which learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon current and past knowledge.” J. Bruner: 4 aspects of instruction- Predisposition towards learning Structure of information easiest to grasp by learner Most effective sequence to present material Nature and pacing of rewards and punishment Principles of Bruner’s theory: 1. Instruction must make the student willing and able to learn. 2. Instruction must be structured to be grasped easily by student. 3. Instruction must “facilitate extrapolation and/or fill in the gaps.”

Compare & Contrast Learning Theory BehaviorismCognitivismConstructivism How people learn Learning is a function of change in behavior Learning is a mental process Learning involves constructing one's own knowledge from one's own experiences How technology is used in learning Teaching machines, instructional films and TV, programmed instruction, instructional design, & direct instruction Simulations, artificial intelligence, expert systems, intelligent tutorial systems, & virtual reality Productivity tools, concept maps, hypermedia, & conversation tools