Learning with Vince =)

Theories of Learning

Behaviorism

• Involves the process of condition and observable behaviour
• Looks at the relationship between cause and effect in response to a stimulus
• Learning becomes a modification of behaviour by applying stimuli, shaping responses and provisions of reinforcement
• Requires practice and feedback otherwise skill may appear lost (frequency of repetition and ensuring response is not ignored)
• Classic condition-> ability to generalize our responses to stimuli
• Operant conditioning-> people learn to behave a way in which allows them to obtain what they want or avoid things they don’t want (positive and negative reinforcement)
• Reinforcement becomes vital as generalizations can suggest importance of practice in varied situations (learning transfer)
• Feedback must work with motivation
• Shaping behavior by reinforcement of responses ensures appropriate learning of new skills

Cognitivism

• Involves thinking and applying thought
• Focuses on the process between learning and performing skill
• Learning occurs when experiences are formed into a systematic and meaningful pattern that can encourage problem solving insight and meaning
• Grouping, hooking and pegging -> memory function
• Pre test used to test existing knowledge while post test becomes the comparison of learning obtained

Humanist

• Influenced by cognitive approach focuses on individuals seeking self esteem, personal adequacy and self actualization
• Can be used as a blend to form and influence different aspects of learning theories

Constructivism

• Involves schema-mental model which builds on personal interactions with others and are unique to each individual
• Dependant on prior knowledge
• Involves repetition with increasing detail (spiral)
• Can include taking knowledge and applying it to live situations
• However has no final assessment

Social Learning Theory

• Blend that focuses on experience and observation and modeling ( mentoring)
• Involves 4 processes which include: attention, retention, reproduction and reinforcement
• Social constructivism thus becomes a blend of social and constructivism theories

Important references

http://tip.psychology.org