Learning Theories And M-Learning
Learning theories help us understand how people learn. Traditionally broken into three categories, Behaviorism, Cognitivism and Constructivism, learning theories aid educators in their teaching practices.
With the advent of technology, a new learning theory was developed, Connectivism.
Bloom's taxonomy
When considering the application of learning theories, Bloom’s Taxonomy cannot be forgotten. Bloom's taxonomy is a hierarchical model that classifies learning objectives into varying levels of complexity. The three primary areas are cognitive, affective and sensory.
With the advent of technology, a new learning theory was developed, Connectivism.
Bloom's taxonomy
When considering the application of learning theories, Bloom’s Taxonomy cannot be forgotten. Bloom's taxonomy is a hierarchical model that classifies learning objectives into varying levels of complexity. The three primary areas are cognitive, affective and sensory.
Behaviorism
Behaviorist theories identify the relationship between stimuli and learning. The acquisition of learning is therefore evident, when a change in behavior is observed in the subject. There are two primary types of behavioral learning; classical conditioning and instrumental or operant conditioning. Classical conditioning is most often associated with Russian physiologist, Ivan Pavlov (1849–1936). He studied digestive processes in dogs. Noticing that dogs salivated in the absence of food if a particular stimulus was present. Pavlov investigated the association between the unconditioned stimulus of food and the unconditioned reflex of salivation. Through conditioning, he was able to elicit the conditioned response of salavation by ringing a bell when food was not present; the dog had learned the association between the bell and the food association with it. Instrumental or operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behavior. Here the desired behavior is exhibited prior to the reward. For example, a bird will peck at a button to release the food reward. |
Cognitivism
Cognitive theorists sought to investigate if behavior involved more than stimulus and a response. Theorists looked at the influence thinking had on the learning process. Cognitive theories focus on the act of processing information that modifies new experiences, relates them to past experiences, and processes the new information for later retrieval. Learning can take place in the absence of overt behavior. Edward Tolman (1886–1959) conducted research in the Behaviorist tradition, introducing cognitive elements to his explanation of learning, believing that learning involved more than stimulus and response. Tolman believed that learning involved the development of an organized body of knowledge. Experimenting on rats in mazes, he found that by varying the conditions in the maze the rats learned about events and their consequences. |
Constructivism
Constructivism describes learning as an active process where the learner constructs knowledge rather than acquiring it. Knowledge is constructed based on personal experiences. As every learner has different experiences, both personal and social, every person has a different interpretation and construction of knowledge. A common misconception of regarding Constructivism is that instructors should never tell students anything directly, rather letting the learner construct knowledge for themselves. However, Constructivism assumes all knowledge is constructed from the learner’s previous knowledge, regardless of how one is taught. Therefore, listening to a didactic lecture involves active construction of new knowledge. |
Connectivism
Connectivism explains how Internet technologies have created new opportunities for people to make connections, learn, create, share and access information and knowledge using the World Wide Web. A key feature of Connectivism is that much of the learning can happen across peer networks and can take place online. In a Connectivist learning environment, a teacher or instructor, will guide students to information and answer key questions as needed to support learning. Students will also seek out information independently and share what they find. As a result a connected learning community often results. |
REFERENCES
Learning Theories and Models summaries - Educational Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://www.learning-theories.com
Learning Theories and Models summaries - Educational Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://www.learning-theories.com