Learning Theories Information Processing Theory Constructivist Theory And

Learning Theories Information Processing Theory, Constructivist Theory, And Behaviorist Theory By: Lauren Schiazza

Learning Theories Information Processing Theory Constructivist Theory Behaviorist Theory People learn by chunking information, rehearsal, organization, elaborating, imagery, and schema Learners construct new ideas based off past/current knowledge and experiences Learn by cause and effect Use computers and inspiration software to help students outline and make concept maps Computers to foster creativity, visual formats, multi-media for projects Use educational software to find weaknesses, develop prerequisite skills, and get immediate feedback Can be modified by reinforcement

Information Processing Theory • By: George A. Miller • Chunking – Short term memory can only hold 5 -9 chunks of information • Test-Operate-Test-Exit – Operation is performed to achieve goal – Planning is important

Constructivist Theory • By: J. Bruner • Instruction – All knowledge comes from experiences in the world – Must be structured – Must be designed to fill gaps • Learning occurs when students construct the building blocks for learning in meaningful situations

Behaviorist Theory • By: B. F. Skinner • Changes in behavior are from individual responses to events that occur in the environment • Reinforcement – Positive reinforcement • Strengthens desired response • Good grades, verbal praise – Negative reinforcement • Results in increased frequency when withdrawn • Annoying light in car when seat belt is not on

Technologies • Technologies can increase the learning theories by: – Constructivist Theory • • problem oriented visual formats/ mental models rich, complex environments real-world like situations cooperative learning exploration teams/ groups authentic assessment/ demonstrate knowledge in more realistic manner • Portfolios

Technologies • Constructivist Technologies – – computers to foster creativity problem solving/ multi media software(how they think) visual formats ( more meaningful learning) multi media student created presentations (power point), cooperative – sound images and video • Behaviorism and Information Processing Theories – Directed instruction/ teacher centered • • educational software/ identify weakness drill and practice develop prerequisite skills supplement instruction for highly motivated/ watch videos/ tech projects • assess learners/ time saving/ assess mastery • multi media/ content/ video/ graphics

What to use? • Great Technologies to use in the classroom – Computers – Power point – Inspiration software – Internet – Dreamweaver – Multi-media

Hyperlinks and Resources • http: //tip. psychology. org/miller. ht ml • http: //tip. psychology. org/bruner. h tml • http: //tip. psychology. org/skinner. html