Learning Theory Why is it important An Introduction

Learning Theory Why is it important?

An Introduction into Learning Theory What is Learning? • “Learning is an enduring change in behavior, or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or other forms of experience” (Schunk, 2012, p. 3). • “People learn when they can grow in age or in skill and are able to do things differently than they have in the past (Schunk, 2012, p. 3). • “Learning occurs through experience (e. g. , practice, observation of others)” (Schunk, 2012, p. 4).

An Introduction into Learning Theory Why is Learning important? • ASCA National Model states that a counselor must understand (II-A 2)”educational systems, philosophies and theories and current trends in education, including federal and state legislation and (II-A-3) learning theories.

An Introduction into Learning Theory Learning and Philosophy • Learning can be studied “under the heading of epistemology” (Schunk, 2012, p. 5). • Learning can be broken down into categories of thinking that were started by two different scientist. Rationalism - Plato Empiricism- Aristotle

An Introduction into Learning Theory Learning and Psychology • While psychological learning experimental work and when it began are hard to determine, two scientist played major roles in it’s beginnings. Wilhelm Wundt Hermann Ebbinghaus

An Introduction into Learning Theory Learning and Instruction Most learning theories share the following principles, taken from Table 1. 4 in Schunk’s Learning theories (2012, pp. 19). • Learners progress through stages/phases. • Material should be organized and presented in small steps. • Learners require practice, feedback and motivation. • Social models facilitate learning and motivation. • Motivational and contextual factors influence learning.

Critical Issues for Learning Theories

Critical Issues How does learning occur? “Behavioral and cognitive theories agree that differences among learners and in the environment can affect learning, but they diverge in the relative emphasis they give these two factors” (Schunk, 2012, p. 22). • Behavioral theorist believe the environment through the use of reinforcement and developmental status determine how someone learns (Schunk, 2012). • Cognitive emphasize “the role of the learning’s thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and values” (Schunk, 2012, p. 22) in how someone learns.

Critical Issues What is the role of memory? “Behavioral and cognitive theorist have different views on the importance of memory in how someone learns. • Behavioral theorist do not believe that memory plays as large of a role as reinforcement does in learning processes. • Cognitive theorist believe that memory plays a major role in learning.

Critical Issues What is the role of motivation? • Behavioral theorist believe motivation plays a major role in learning for an individual. • Cognitive theorist do not believe that motivation is as critical to learning theory as behavioral scientist do.

Critical Issues: What is Self-regulation? “Self-regulation refers to the process whereby learning systematically direct their thoughts, feelings, and actions toward the attainment of their goals” (Zimmerman & Schunk, 2001, chapter 9). • Behavioral researchers believe that self-regulation means that a person sets up their own forms of reinforcement (Schunk, 2012). • “Cognitive researchers emphasize mental activities such as attention, rehearsal, use of learning strategies, and comprehension monitoring” (Schunk, 2012, p. 24).

Conclusion

Why is learning theory important? • Learning builds a framework • Learning is a change • Learning endures • Learning is new experiences • Learning is assessed • Learning occurs everywhere

References Association, A. S. (2012). ASCA National Model. Alexandria, VA: America School Counselor Association. Schunk, D. (2012). Learning theories and educational perspective. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 3: Picture of Salem College retrieved from http: //www. bing. com/images/search? q=salem+college+images&id=575 BDDC 751 A 016 FD 5 54 F 88 DAC 85 A 5 FD 66 A 9941 A 0&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=575 BDDC 751 A 016 F D 554 F 88 DAC 85 A 5 FD 66 A 9941 A 0&selected. Index=0 on 11/06/2013 Slide 5: Photos of scientist retrieved on 11/06/2013 from : http: //www. biografiasyvidas. com/biografia/e/fotos/ebbinghaus. jpg http: //www. biografiasyvidas. com/biografia/e/fotos/wundt. jpg