The Learning Theories Melissa Nuñez Section 5499 September 26, 2006 Melissa Nuñez Section 5499 September 26, 2006

Learning Paradigms o Constructivism o Behaviorism o Information Processing/ Cognitivism o Constructivism o Behaviorism o Information Processing/ Cognitivism

Constructivism o The belief that there is no external truth in the world. o Humans construct all types of knowledge based on experiences. o According to Jean Piaget, through accommodation and assimilation, individuals construct new knowledge. o Learning best occurs when placed in meaningful activities. o People form schemas, which are internal structures of knowledge in which people analyze the new experiences and make sense of the new information. More information on Constructivism o The belief that there is no external truth in the world. o Humans construct all types of knowledge based on experiences. o According to Jean Piaget, through accommodation and assimilation, individuals construct new knowledge. o Learning best occurs when placed in meaningful activities. o People form schemas, which are internal structures of knowledge in which people analyze the new experiences and make sense of the new information. More information on Constructivism

Behaviorism o The behaviorist theory entails two types of conditioning: o Classical Conditioning: Best shown by Pavlov’s experiment with dogs. o A neutral stimulus causing an involuntary response. o Operant Conditioning: Best shown by Skinner’s experiment with rats. o Study of punishment and reward. o No environmental stimulus. o The behavior of the organism changed or operated on the environment. o Therefore, there was control over the responses. More information on Behaviorism o The behaviorist theory entails two types of conditioning: o Classical Conditioning: Best shown by Pavlov’s experiment with dogs. o A neutral stimulus causing an involuntary response. o Operant Conditioning: Best shown by Skinner’s experiment with rats. o Study of punishment and reward. o No environmental stimulus. o The behavior of the organism changed or operated on the environment. o Therefore, there was control over the responses. More information on Behaviorism

Shaping Behavior o As previously stated, operant conditioning is a study of punishment and reward. The same techniques are used in the classroom. o Positive Reinforcement o Where some sort of reward is given to the student to increase a desired behavior. o Negative Reinforcement o Where an undesirable behavior is removed from a student in order to increase a desired behavior. o Punishment o Where a child receives undesirable consequences for undesirable behavior. o NOTE: Punishment IS different from Negative Reinforcement. o As previously stated, operant conditioning is a study of punishment and reward. The same techniques are used in the classroom. o Positive Reinforcement o Where some sort of reward is given to the student to increase a desired behavior. o Negative Reinforcement o Where an undesirable behavior is removed from a student in order to increase a desired behavior. o Punishment o Where a child receives undesirable consequences for undesirable behavior. o NOTE: Punishment IS different from Negative Reinforcement.

Cognitivism o Also referred to as information processing. o Opposite from constructivism, Cognitivism focuses on internal processes instead of strictly external events. o The best description of cognitivism is using the analogy of a computer to represent the human mind: o It deals with how people register, process, store and retrieve information. o During instruction, the teacher encourages the discovery of principles on their own. More information on Cognitivism o Also referred to as information processing. o Opposite from constructivism, Cognitivism focuses on internal processes instead of strictly external events. o The best description of cognitivism is using the analogy of a computer to represent the human mind: o It deals with how people register, process, store and retrieve information. o During instruction, the teacher encourages the discovery of principles on their own. More information on Cognitivism

Contrasting Views How People Learn The Use of Technology in Learning ConstructivismBehaviorismCognitivism o Externally o Through life experiences o Shaping behavior through: o Positive reinforcement o Negative reinforcement o Punishment o Learning is an active process where ideas are constructed from current/past knowledge. o Transformation of information o Technology helps to foster creativity, promotes meaningful learning, allows students to generate their own version of knowledge and assists with problem solving. o Technological programs that are question (stimulus) & answer (response) and provide instant feedback are best suited for this type of learning because of the constant reinforcement. o Technology in the form of f educational software is beneficial to identify weaknesses in learners, supplement instruction and to help develop pre-requisite skills.

Good Teachers Use ALL Learning Theories!!