Learning Theories Nina P Driaza Sect 5552 Outline

Learning Theories Nina P. Driaza Sect. 5552

Outline l Behaviorism l Cognitivism l Constructivism

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

Cognitivism http: //web. cocc. edu/cbuell/theories/cognitivism. htm Definition: the study of cognition- mental activity. 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. “Learning is a mental process. ” G. Miller: • Chunking & short term memory • TOTE (Test-Operate-Test. Exit)

Constructivism http: //web. cocc. edu/cbuell/theories/constructivism. htm 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 Behaviorism Cognitivism Constructivism How people Learning is a function Learning is a of change in behavior mental process learn Learning involves constructing one's own knowledge from one's own experiences Teaching machines, instructional films and TV, programmed instruction, instructional design, & direct instruction Productivity tools, concept maps, hypermedia, & conversation tools How technology is used in learning Simulations, artificial intelligence, expert systems, intelligent tutorial systems, & virtual reality