Learning Theories

Behaviorist Learning Theory Learning Theories Behaviorist Learning Theory Focus mainly on what is directly observable View learning as a product of stimulus conditions (S) and the response (R) that follow (called the S-R Model of Learning) Responses are closely observed then environment is manipulated to bring about the intended change To modify people’s attitudes and responses stimulus conditions in the environment are altered stimulus conditions is changed after the response occurs

Behaviorist Learning Theory (continued) Learning Theories Behaviorist Learning Theory (continued) Emphasizes observable behavior such as new skills, knowledge, attitudes, which can be demonstrated. Observable and measurable If the individual has change behavior he has learned.

Learning Theories

Cognitive Learning Theory Learning Theories Cognitive Learning Theory Stress the importance of what goes on inside the learner Key to learning and changing is the individual’s cognition (perception, thought, memory, and ways of processing and structuring information) Processes involved in Cognitive learning perceiving the information Interpreting the information based on what is already known recognizing the information into new insights or understanding

Cognitive Learning Theory (continued) Learning Theories Cognitive Learning Theory (continued) Reward is not necessary for learning Learners’ goals and expectations which create disequilibrium, imbalance, and tension that motivate learners to act are more important Concerned with human learning in which unobservable mental processes are used to learn and remember new information or acquired skill. Education involves assessing how a learner attends to processes stores the information that is presented Finding ways to encourage the retention and retrieval process Errors are corrected by helping learners reprocess what needs to be learned

Learning Theories Cognitive Learning Theory (continued)

Concepts of teaching anchored on cognitive learning theory Learning Theories Cognitive Learning Theory (continued) Concepts of teaching anchored on cognitive learning theory Discovery learning of Jerome Bruner Individuals learns from discovery of his own environment Reception learning of David Ausubel Prior learning is important in order to learn new things. Events of learning of Robert Gagne Motivated to learn Attention Transfer of information Recall of information previously stored Feedback on their performance

Social learning Theory Learning Theories Social learning Theory Albert Bandura Personal characteristics of the learner, behavior patterns, and the environment. Needs to identify what learners are perceiving and how they interpreting and responding to social situation. Role Modelling

Learning Theories Social learning Theory (continued)

Psychodynamic Learning Theory Learning Theories Psychodynamic Learning Theory Sigmund Freud Behavior maybe conscious or unconscious Stressing emotions rather than cognition Personal difficulties arise and learning is limited when individuals become fixated or stuck at an earlier stage of personality development

Ego defense mechanisms: Ways of protecting the self from perceived threat Denial: ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the reality of a threat Rationalization: excusing or explaining away a threat Displacement: taking out hostility and aggression on other individuals rather than directing anger at the source of the threat Depression: keeping unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or actions from conscious awareness Regression: returning to an earlier(less mature more primitive) stage of behavior as way of coping with threat Intellectualization: minimizing anxiety by responding to a threat in a detached, abstract manner without feeling or emotion Projection: seeing one’s own unacceptable characteristics or desires in other people Reaction Formation: expressing or behaving the opposite of what is really felt Sublimation: converting repressed feelings into socially acceptable action Compensation: making up for weaknesses by excelling in the other areas

Humanistic Learning theory Learning Theories Humanistic Learning theory Abraham Maslow Individual is unique and have a desire to grow in a positive way Derive from each persons needs Transfer of learning is facilitated by curiosity, a positive self concept, and open situations in which people respect individuality and promote freedom of choice.

Learning Theories Humanistic Learning theory (continued)

Principles Underlying Humanistic Learning Theory Learning Theories Humanistic Learning theory (continued) Principles Underlying Humanistic Learning Theory Role of educator is to be a facilitator Learners, not educators choose what is to be learned, and within this framework educators serve as resource persons whose job is to encourage learners to make wise choices Central focus is on learner’s perceptions, desires, and decision making Humanistic orientation is referred to as learner-directed approach Fostering curiosity, enthusiasm, initiative, and responsibility is much more important and primary goal of any educator