1. Lesson: Learning Theories
Presented by: Erin Allen, Kelley McDonald, & Brittney Patten
April 17, 2018

2. 8:00-8:25 8:25-8:45 8:45-8:50 8:50-9:10 9:10-9:15 Break
Learning Objectives & PowerPoint Lecture
Further Discussion and Questions
8:00-8:25
8:25-8:45
8:45-8:50
8:50-9:10
9:10-9:15
Learning Activity 1
Learning Activity 2

3. Learning Objectives
Define constructivism, behaviorism, social cognitivism, cognitivism, brain-based learning, and humanism.
Demonstrate the appropriate teaching strategy for each learning theory.
Identify which learning theories would coincide with different student learning styles
Discuss connectivism and its emergence in the digital age.
Brain-Based Learning
Humanism
Social Cognitivism
Cognitivism
Behaviorism

4. Topics Brain-based Learning & Humanism Constructivism Cognitivism
Social Cognitivism
Behaviorism
Connectivism
Topics

5. The principles of brain-based learning and humanism are applicable to all learning theories

6. Brain Based Learning
Based on research regarding the brain and how the brain learns
Guiding Principles:
Brains are dynamic.
Brains are unique.
Brains use active construction of learning.
Brains are social brains.
The physical and cognitive are interconnected.
Uniqueness is the rule.
Brains are designed for “gist” processing.
The brain physically changes from learning.
Classroom Techniques: pre expose students to content a week before lecture, manage student stress levels, celebrate success and teach less content
There has been a massive influx of research regarding the human brain over the last two decades, which has contributed to the creation of this learning theory. According to researchers once the brain has learned some new piece of information, it becomes easier to continue learning.
Phillips, B.C. (2018). Learning theories. In M.H. Oermann, J.C. DeGagne, & B.C. Phillips(Ed s.), Teaching in nursing and the role of the educator: The complete guide to best practice
in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. (pp ). New York: Springer Publishing Company.

7. Humanism
Humanism is “optimistic and focuses on noble human capacity to overcome hardship, pain and despair” (McLeod, 2016, para 7).
Focus is toward the study of humans as a whole (McLeod, 2015).
Each person is viewed as individually unique:
This means their needs are also unique
Learning directed toward this approach should be focused on the individual’s learning type (e.g. visual, auditory).
Based in psychological foundations
Seen as inadequate when used to retain new knowledge regarding facts and skills.
McLeod, S. A. (2016). Bandura - social learning theory. Retrieved from

8. The Core 3 plus a New Perspective
Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Constructivism
The digital age has brought…
Connectivism

9. According to Behaviorism...
Learning is a change in behavior brought about by components of the external environment
Classical Conditioning - learned response to a stimulus
Operant Conditioning - behavior change in response to positive reinforcement
Remember Pavlov and the doggie?
Teaching methods: guided practice, repetition, skill exercises
Phillips, B.C. (2018). Learning theories. In M.H. Oermann, J.C. DeGagne, & B.C. Phillips (Eds.), Teaching in nursing and the role of the educator: The complete guide to best practice
in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. (pp ). New York: Springer Publishing Company.

10. According to Cognitivism...
Developed in the 1960’s and replaced behaviorism as the leading learning theory.
Previously, humans were viewed to act like ‘programmed animals’ who responded according to external stimuli. Cognitivism holds humans as rational beings, capable of learning through active participation (David, 2015).
The learner is viewed as a processor of information (e.g. computer) which takes in data and responds accordingly.
David, L. (2015). Cognitivism. Retrieved from
Phillips, B.C. (2018). Learning theories. In M.H. Oermann, J.C. DeGagne, & B.C. Phillips (Eds.), Teaching in nursing and the role of the educator: The complete guide to best practice
in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. (pp ). New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Image courtesy of:

11. Social cognitive theory
The acquisition of knowledge is in direct correlation to a person’s observation of their peers.
Observations take place through social interactions, use of media, and lived experiences (McLeod, 2016).
Utilized in nursing curriculum to demonstrate nursing skills and procedures not easily conveyed through verbal or written material (e.g. simulation lab).
Incorporates the behavioral theory of conditioning
Repeated exposure to certain stimuli elicits a response or change in behavior.
Believes adaptations occur due to interactions with the surrounding environment, and take place in reaction to responses from certain stimuli (McLeod, 2016).
Most commonly identified in child development.
Children observe and emulate parents based upon the resulting reinforcement received from observed behavior.
E.g. Child learns that hitting a sibling is not acceptable after receiving a time-out for the behavior.
According to Burke and Mancuso (2012), the use of SCT within a nursing curriculum “for planning and implementing simulation learning activities not only optimizes task and content mastery but also supports student analysis of one’s own learning or thinking process (p. 543)”.
Burke, H., & Mancuso, L. (2012). Social cognitive theory, metacognition, and simulation learning in nursing education. Journal of Nursing Education, 51(10),
doi: /

12. According to Constructivism...
Learning is an active process of assembling knowledge through interactions with the environment and utilizing self-reflection (Phillips, 2018).
When something new is encountered, the learner must ask questions, experiment and explore in order to construct new knowledge.
The educator acts as a learning facilitator
Classroom techniques: Experiments, case-based learning (case studies), class discussion and simulation
Creates motivated, independent learners and encourages critical thinking
The role of the educator in this learning theory is to facilitate learning by asking questions and guiding students in learning. Constructivism is "well suited for nursing education because contextual information and the importance of individual experiences are cornerstones of nursing practice" (Mosca, 2017, p. 45).
Mosca, C. (2017). Using Constructivist learning theory to create and implement a pilot online dosage calculation module. Journal of the New York State Nurses Association, 45(1),
44-49.
Phillips, B.C. (2018). Learning theories. In M.H. Oermann, J.C. DeGagne, & B.C. Phillips (Eds.), Teaching in nursing and the role of the educator: The complete guide to best practice
in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. (pp ). New York: Springer Publishing Company.

13. According to Connectivism...
Learning is based on the ability of a person to traverse multiple networks of information
A person’s learning is affected by the types of technology they use and their ability to use that technology to find answers
Learners will likely work in a variety of fields during their lifetime which requires continual self-directed education
It is increasingly important for learners to know where to find information rather than just memorizing it
See Handout
Convergence Academies. (2015, January 30). Connectivism: Bearing a Heavy Node [Web log post]. Retrieved from

14. Summary and Questions?
Image courtesy of:

15. In Class Learning Activities
One
Two
Think about the learning theories we covered today. Which theory do you identify with most as an educator and how does this theory contribute to your personal teaching philosophy. Individually take 10 minutes to write a paragraph. Then share your paragraph with your neighbor. All paragraphs are due at the conclusion of this class.
Your assigned group is required to teach an undergraduate nursing class about cardiac dysrhythmias (please choose only one dysrhythmia). Choose a learning theory to guide your presentation to the class. Make sure to include an activity or assignment which highlights the learning theory’s main intention. Your group will be required to present your chosen theory and assignment on the next day of class.

16. References
Burke, H., & Mancuso, L. (2012). Social cognitive theory, metacognition, and simulation learning in nursing education. Journal of
Nursing Education, 51(10), doi: /
Convergence Academies. (2015, January 30). Connectivism: Bearing a Heavy Node [Web log post]. Retrieved from
David, L. (2015). Cognitivism. Retrieved from
McLeod, S. A, (2015). Humanism. Retrieved from
McLeod, S. A. (2016). Bandura - social learning theory. Retrieved from
Mosca, C. (2017). Using Constructivist learning theory to create and implement a pilot online dosage calculation module.
Journal of the New York State Nurses Association, 45(1),
Phillips, B.C. (2018). Learning theories. In M.H. Oermann, J.C. DeGagne, & B.C. Phillips (Eds.), Teaching in nursing and the role of
the educator: The complete guide to best practice in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. (pp ).
New York: Springer Publishing Company.