Learning Theories Instructional vs. Learning

Instructional Theories Instructional theory is best described by the presentation of information to promote educational learning. Instructional theory is best described by the presentation of information to promote educational learning.

There are two main categories of Instructional theory : cognitive and behaviorist schools of thought Leading Theorist Benjamin Bloom B. F. Skinner Robert Gagne Paulo Freire

Cognitive Theorists Benjamin Bloom Benjamin Bloom Creator of Bloom’s Taxonomy which divided educational objectives into three domains: Affective Affective Psychomotor Psychomotor cognitive cognitive Robert Gagne Creator of the model Nine Events of Instruction Gain attention Inform learner of objectives Stimulate recall of prior learning Present stimulus material Provide learner guidance Elicit performance Provide feedback Assess performance Enhance retention transfer

Behaviorist B. F. Skinner B. F. Skinner Major contribution to learning was operant conditioning Major contribution to learning was operant conditioning Reinforcement of the correct behavior while ignoring the wrong behavior Reinforcement of the correct behavior while ignoring the wrong behavior Paulo Freire Major contribution to teaching and learning was critical pedagogy A technique created to raise awareness of how experiences are related to society and how they can effect the needed changes in society

Learning Theories Learning theory is best described as a process that brings environmental influences and personal experiences together. Learning theory is best described as a process that brings environmental influences and personal experiences together.

There are three main areas learning fall under: behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism Leading Theorist B. F. Skinner Ivan Pavlov Richard Atkinson Kurt Koffka Jean Piaget Seymour Papert

Behaviorism Behaviorism only focuses on the what can be observed in the way of learning. Behaviorism only focuses on the what can be observed in the way of learning. Learning is viewed in three ways. Learning is viewed in three ways. A change in behavior A change in behavior Behavior is created by environment Behavior is created by environment Principles of contiguity and reinforcement Principles of contiguity and reinforcement Learning is simply acquiring of a new behavior through conditioning. Learning is simply acquiring of a new behavior through conditioning.

Behaviorist Theorists B. F. Skinner & Ivan Pavlov Ivan Pavlov Both developed theories on different types conditioning learning Educational practices developed from conditioning learning: direct instruction, applied behavior analysis, and curriculum based measurement

Cognitivism Cognitivism is the mental processes in learning. Cognitivism is the mental processes in learning. There are two approaches. Memory system is the active processor of information Memory system is the active processor of information Prior knowledge plays an important role Prior knowledge plays an important role Many aspects of cognitivism learning can be discovered in intelligence, learning, memory as it relates to age and social role acquisition. Many aspects of cognitivism learning can be discovered in intelligence, learning, memory as it relates to age and social role acquisition.

Cognitivism Theorists Richard Atkinson & Kurt Koffka Kurt Koffka Both developed theories based on human memory Short and long term memory as well as sensorimotor learning plays a role on who we are and what we learn

Constructivism Constructivism is a process where the learner actively builds new thoughts based on current and past knowledge and/or experience. Constructivism is a process where the learner actively builds new thoughts based on current and past knowledge and/or experience. Known under many names. Known under many names. Self-directed learning Self-directed learning Experiential learning Experiential learning Knowledge Building Knowledge Building Discovery Learning Discovery Learning In this model, the facilitator encourages students to discover things for themselves and to build on knowledge by trying to solve problems.

Constructivism Theorists Jean Piaget & Seymour Papert Seymour Papert Both developed theories based on prior knowledge and experiences It caused a big impact on teaching practices and how information was provided to students

Theories Instructional and learning theories weave in and out like a lattice fence. They over lap as they go their own way. Instructional theory is the presentation of information. Learning theory is simply the process that brings our influences and experiences together. There are three main areas behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Everyone learns in their own unique way. The men and women that studied how people learn only answered the questions of why.