Classification of Learning Theories
Behaviourism
· Also referred to as ‘objectivism’
· Has roots in behavioural psychology
· Underlying premise is that learning is characterised by an observable change in behaviour
· Learning is a response to condition
· Learn through practice and positive reinforcement
· Led through a series of steps
· Not for the development of higher order thinking skills but, for low-level content, processes and routine skill development
Cognitivism
· Understand learning in terms of mental processing
· Understanding the brain and how it works best
· Three stage model:
The Sensory Register
Information assed through the senses
Remain there for a few seconds
If the information is important it transfers through to the working memory
Digital pedagogy can support this transfer
Working Memory
Organises the information for long term storage
Information is chunked or grouped
ICT is invaluable in supporting chunking of information through interactive learning objects, drag and drop activities, images, retrieval charts and tables
Long Term Memory
A repository for all learned knowledge and skills
Unlimited capacity
Schemas = knowledge of how elements fit together and group as one
Brain Compares what it knows and adds new information
Online concept mapping is valuable for organisation chunking and linking to long term memory
Constructivism
· What someone knows is grounded in perception of the physical and social experiences which are comprehended by the mind
Social Constructivism
· Learning is founded upon social interactions within a learning community
· Social interactions largely influence learning
· Support through a teacher modelling and scaffolding when working online allows learners to negotiate their own learning through social interations with others
· Examples include; blogs, wikis
Connectivism
· Learning theory for the digital age
· Networked nature of earning through computers and internet
· Impossible to know everything therefore it is vital to know how and where to get it
· Critical information literacy is important
It is interesting to note that that all of these theories overlap each other and that teaching and learning occurs across a continuum of practice (Fasso, 2012).
References
Fasso, W. (2012) A Brief Over View of Learning Theory: Study Guide. Rockhampton, Qld: CQUniversity, Australia.
· Also referred to as ‘objectivism’
· Has roots in behavioural psychology
· Underlying premise is that learning is characterised by an observable change in behaviour
· Learning is a response to condition
· Learn through practice and positive reinforcement
· Led through a series of steps
· Not for the development of higher order thinking skills but, for low-level content, processes and routine skill development
Cognitivism
· Understand learning in terms of mental processing
· Understanding the brain and how it works best
· Three stage model:
The Sensory Register
Information assed through the senses
Remain there for a few seconds
If the information is important it transfers through to the working memory
Digital pedagogy can support this transfer
Working Memory
Organises the information for long term storage
Information is chunked or grouped
ICT is invaluable in supporting chunking of information through interactive learning objects, drag and drop activities, images, retrieval charts and tables
Long Term Memory
A repository for all learned knowledge and skills
Unlimited capacity
Schemas = knowledge of how elements fit together and group as one
Brain Compares what it knows and adds new information
Online concept mapping is valuable for organisation chunking and linking to long term memory
Constructivism
· What someone knows is grounded in perception of the physical and social experiences which are comprehended by the mind
Social Constructivism
· Learning is founded upon social interactions within a learning community
· Social interactions largely influence learning
· Support through a teacher modelling and scaffolding when working online allows learners to negotiate their own learning through social interations with others
· Examples include; blogs, wikis
Connectivism
· Learning theory for the digital age
· Networked nature of earning through computers and internet
· Impossible to know everything therefore it is vital to know how and where to get it
· Critical information literacy is important
It is interesting to note that that all of these theories overlap each other and that teaching and learning occurs across a continuum of practice (Fasso, 2012).
References
Fasso, W. (2012) A Brief Over View of Learning Theory: Study Guide. Rockhampton, Qld: CQUniversity, Australia.