Overview of Learning Theory Scholar Training Project for Southwest Jiaotong University Presented by Dr. J. Shane Robinson Associate Director, ITLE

Behavioral Learning Theories Behaviorism Social Cognitive

Behaviorism Theory Learning is a change in behavior. Explains learning in terms of environmental and external events. Interested in how people respond to stimuli.

Behaviorism cont. Stimuli – perceivable units of the environment or events that may affect behavior Responses – observable reactions to stimuli Contiguity – whenever two sensations occur together over and over again, they become associated School bell (stimulus) Scurrying student zipping backpacks, slamming lockers, crowded hallways, etc. (responses)

Types of Behaviorism Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning

Classical Conditioning Developed by Pavlov Includes stimuli and responses Unconditioned Stimulus (US) – automatically produces a response Unconditioned Response (UR) – naturally occurring response Conditioned Stimulus (CS) – an object used to stimulate a response Conditioned Response (CR) – learned response

Operant Conditioning Developed by B. F. Skinner People learn by doing. Learn through reinforcement & punishment. Reinforcer – A stimulus that increases the frequency of behaviors.

Social Cognitive Theory Developed by Albert Bandura Learning occurs in a social environment. Assesses one’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Social Cognitive cont. Social Cognition – learning occurs through modeling and observing. Observational learning – when a person observes or imitates someone else’s behavior. Self-efficacy – the belief that one can master a situation and produce positive outcomes.

4 Factors of Observational Learning Attention – Learners must attend to the model. Retention – Learners must retain the behavior. Production – Learners attempt to produce the behavior. Motivation – Desire to reproduce the behavior.

Cognitive Learning Theories

What do you see? Kitchel & Torres (2005)

Comparing the two sets of Theories Behavioral Learning Theories – focuses on observable changes in outward behavior & on the impact of external stimuli to effect change. Cognitive Learning Theories – focuses on the internal mental processes, how they change, and how they affect external behavior changes.

Behavioral vs. Cognitive Learning New behaviors are learned. Reinforcement strengthens responses. Teacher-centered instruction Cognitive Knowledge is learned. Reinforcement is feedback or information. Student-centered instruction

Cognitive View of Learning Look at how people process and organize information and construct knowledge. Assess how people make sense of the knowledge they gain. Assume that humans are active participants in their own acts of cognition.

Cognitive Learning Theories Constructivism Information Processing Brain-Based Learning (BBL)

Constructivism Individuals must experience learning. Meaning must occur. Prior knowledge must exist.

Elements of Constructivism Embed learning in complex, realistic, and relevant learning environments. Learning is a shared responsibility. Learning supports multiple perspectives. Encourages ownership in learning.

Information Processing Theory Encoding – process of gathering and representing information Storage – process of putting new information in memory Retrieval – remembering previously stored information

Types of memory Sensory Working Long-term

Sensory memory Holds information in original form Has large capacity Short duration (1-3 seconds)

Working memory Where info. is held while it is processed 5-9 bits of info. for 20-30 seconds Maintenance rehearsal – repeating info. over and over again Elaborative rehearsal – associating info. with something you already know

Long-term memory Holds info. for long periods of time Declarative knowledge – “knowing that” something is the case; facts Semantic – general knowledge about the world Episodic – info. tied to a particular time & place Procedural memory – how to do things Large capacity

Quiz Utah Banana Shoe Alabama Corn Shirt Washington Hat California Watermelon Dress Louisiana Cantaloupe Coat Florida Boxers

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Brain-Based Learning An extension of info. processing theory. Identifies the brain and its functions in the learning process. Determines ways in which the brain operates. Focuses on emotions and experiences. Focuses on the learning environment. Safety and security of students are a must!

How the brain functions New dendrites are formed. Connections increase in complexity. Neurons fire to create a stronger, more intense, connection.

Factors associated with BBL Emotion Relevance Patterns and Context Meaning

Scholar Training Project for Southwest Jiaotong University Amended from the Scholar Training Project for Southwest Jiaotong University Presented by Dr. J. Shane Robinson Associate Director, ITLE