Learning & You
Learning theories are essential in
developing educators' understanding of how people learn. This blog is an
analysis of six (6) types of learning theories, namely the behaviorist theory, cognitive
theory, constructivist theory, social learning theory, connectivism, and adult
learning theory. I will discuss how
people learn and what influences learning according to the theories an
explanation of the factors that influence memory and how learning is
transferred is shared, learning styles, and the infusion of technology for each
theory.
Behaviorism
How Learning Occurs
This learning theory was researched by John B Watson and later by B.F. Skinner. Watson and Skinner viewed behavior as a subject and studied people's reactions toward their environment, which they termed as habits (Standridge, 2010). People will argue that children's behaviour is based on genetics, but Watson and Skinner will argue that children learn from their environment for example their home, school, or social life. If a child constantly witnesses other students displaying social graces (thank you, you are welcome, please, excuse me) they are likely to adopt these behaviors. Children repeat what they see.
Influences of Learning
The behaviorist
believes that reinforcement or punishment influences learning. Michael Orey
(2010) explains this in his article with a theory developed by Skinner known as
operant conditioning. He explains that operant conditioning is rewarding a
desired behavior (Orey, 2010). If a child portrays good social graces at school
and is awarded for displaying this new behavior, highly likely he will continue
this behavior, on the other hand, if a child is ignored for not displaying
desired behavior he will desist from repeating the behavior as ignoring the behavior
is seen as a punishment that decreases the reoccurrence of that behavior.
The Role of Memory
According to the
behaviorist, memory is formed by repetition which brings an involuntary action.
Learning occurs by repetition called habits (Standridge, 2010). If you reward a
child each time, they excel on their test they will be motivated to study for
any upcoming test to reap the rewards. If soldiers are placed on a battlefield
in a simulated environment, teaching them fighting skills by drilling them and
praising their efforts then highly likely that they will operate the same on an
actual battlefield. Chefs hold their knives the same each time and cut using
the same ‘sawing motion’ because they continue to repeat the behavior leading
to involuntary action. This motivates learning and increases memory. Learning
occurs through the desire to continuously repeat a behavior forming habits as
explained by Standridge.
How Transfer Occurs
According to Watson
and Skinner learning is transferred through a theory called classical
conditioning. Human emotional responses can be conditioned to previously
neutral environmental stimuli (Jensen, 2023). Learning is transferred by
classical conditioning where two objects are paired together to elicit a
response just as what was tested on baby Albert where a rat was presented at
first and later paired with a loud banging sound which later conditioned him to
fear rats. So just like people you will pair rewards to the desired outcome to
encourage repetition of the behaviour.
Learning Styles/Strategies
Two types of
learning applicable to the behaviorist theory are kinesthetics and visual.
Michael Orey (2010) explains that visual learners process information most
effectively when the information is seen and kinesthetic/tactile learners
process information actively through physical means. Conditioning a behavior is
done through observation and repetition of tasks. People are constantly ‘doing’
to learn.
Infusion of Technology
Cognitivism
How Learning Occurs
The question
remains, is the brain a computer or is it not? Humans are processors of
information, and the mind is an information-processing system. Cognition is a
series of mental processes. Learning is the acquisition of mental
representation (Ormrod et al., 2009). Processing, retaining, and retrieving
information is what humans do and so educators must be acquainted with this
process to understand how to begin to teach an individual. For example, if we
inspect the structure of a school’s curriculum, we will discover that teaching
is done in stages from simple to complex. Educators must be aware of this to
plan good lessons to develop people's thoughts.
Influences of Learning
Learning is
influenced by people's reactions to information. Dr. Ormrod, Schunk and Gredler
(2009) explain that information processing begins when a stimulus input (e.g.,
visual, auditory) impinges on one or more senses for example, hearing, sight,
and touch. This is important for educators to understand because teachers
should help learners by using the right tools when associating events and
teaching in stages for example teaching a child his ABCs before teaching him
letter sounds using videos.
The Role of Memory
The role of memory
according to the cognitivist theory is the brain's ability to memorize things
using our long-term (LT), short-term (ST), or working memory (WM). As the
cognitivist theory argues the perception that the brain is like a computer it
is expected that the brain can control memory by regulating the flow of
information throughout the information processing system of people (Ormrod et
al., 2009). As explained by these authors memory can be attained by rehearsal,
repeating information, coding or applying meaning to things, imaging, or
visualizing information, problem-solving, and organizing information. These are
strategies teachers use to endorse learning as our memory plays a keen role in
how we learn and what we learn.
How Transfer Occurs
For learning to
occur memory is conceptualized and this is how transfer occurs. Dr. Ormrod,
Schunk, and Gredler (2009) in their explanation of how people transfer
information shared an idea by other authors to say that “Levels of processing
conceptualize memory according to the type rather than the location of processing
that information receives (Craik, 1979; Craik & Lockhart, 1972; Craik &
Tulving, 1975; Lockhart, Craik, & Jacoby, 1976).” Michael Orey (2010)
explains that learning is transferred by a process that includes declarative,
procedural, episodic, imagery, and strategic knowledge. I love this
course because more and more I discover and understand my surroundings. Take my
five-year-old for example, I was trying to teach him a concept and got annoyed
because of his constant interruption of my explanation of basic information in
being complex too quickly. When he did this, I became uncomfortable because I
was not sure he understood the basics of what I was explaining. But I realize
now that he is associating simple information quicker than I could explain the
basic concepts. Oh boy, I have my work cut out here. Information is transferred
by conceptualizing things even from simplicity to complex concepts.
Learning Styles/Strategies
Jensen (2008) in his article on ‘A Fresh Look
at Brian-Based Education’ explains three teaching strategies that are applied
by the cognitivist theory, they are engagement, strategy, and principles.
Lessons must be designed to engage learners and strategically teach them to
associate the meaning of different things as they revolve through the learning
processes of simple to complex tasks. Engagement is popularly done by
kinesthetic where learners get involved when teaching principles.
Infusion of Technology
Technology can be
implemented to aid in cognitive thinking skills. Michael Orey (2010) shares
ideas of using blogs, wikis, and even social networks to assist in building a
person's cognitive skills. Edutopia shares the idea of using ChatGPT in the
online classroom to solicit responses from learners about a certain topic. This
is a technologically driven world teachers must find resourceful ways of
expanding the thinking skills of learners.
Constructivist Theory
How Learning Occurs
This theory was
developed by Lev Vygotsky explaining that humans learn from two types of social
environment called the zone of proximal development (ZPD) and More
Knowledgeable Other (MKO). Dr Ormrod (2023) in her video on ‘the theory of social cognitive development’ explains
that the zone of proximal development is the difficulty level of activities
that are difficult but not impossible to learn if there is help that comes from
someone with the knowledge about the topic (Walden nd., 2023). We learn from our
environments such as our homes, schools, communities, peers, and even video
games.
Influences of
Learning
We later form our
opinions about things based on our experiences or the ideas of people within
these circles that we perceive to be better knowledgeable about the topic than
we do which influences learning. Young children develop their thinking
abilities by interacting with adults (Orey, 2010). A child will become confused
or maybe even upset if he is taught something at school and his mother tells him
otherwise and vice versa if his teacher tells him differently from what happens
at home. Our social environment has a huge impact on developing our cognitive
thoughts, but that environment also includes businesses for example learning
from video games or other applications.
The Role of Memory
Based on the social constructivist theory memory is attained from one's social environment where ideas and experiences are garnered from our environment, this sort of memory is permanently stored. Michael Orey (2010) shared an idea of by one of his authors about four general perspectives that inform how we could facilitate learning within a framework of social constructivism called Idea-based social constructivism. It is explained that the "big ideas" expand learner vision and become important foundations for learners' thinking and on construction of social meaning (Gredler, 1997). Memory is attained by making meaning of things after being influenced by our environment.
How Transfer Occurs
Knowledge is transferred
by making meaning of ideas within our social environment and adopting these
concepts. For example, Michael Orey (2010) showed how using a cognitive tool
perspective students produce a product in groups and then impose meaning on it
through the social learning process. When students can climb these ladders of
cognitive development, we know that learning has taken place.
Learning
Styles/Strategies
The styles of
learning more prevalent in the constructivist theory are kinesthetic using
group discussions and hands-on practice. Michael Orey (2010) explains how
students build knowledge by sharing ideas and participating in hands-on
projects then making meaning of these ideas. People who learn in the social
world will freely share ideas, form their own opinions, and participate in
completing tasks on which they will share their views.
Infusion of
Technology
Technology has made
communication easier and faster throughout the world. I agree with Kolb (2023)
that digital applications can enhance, engage, and extend learning. The
constructivist educator must source these applications and use it meaningfully
in the classroom to engage learners and get them to construct meanings. The
sharing of ideas is mammoth in the social. Some of these popular tools that can
be used in the online classroom are podcasts, Skype, YouTube, blogs, wikis, and
instant messaging (McGreal et al., 2008). These applications make it possible
for ideas to be shared through discussion or demonstration in online classes
assisted by videos. There is little limit to the doors that technology has
opened in the online classroom.
Social Learning Theory
How Learning Occurs
The social learning
theory was developed in the 20th century by a philosopher called
Albert Bandura's. Bandura believed that people simply acquire information by
observing the actions of others, the person's mental state of mind and
motivation (Cherry, 2022). For example, my
five-year-old said to me, Mommy I think I know how to drive. So, I tested him,
and he was able to tell me exactly what he saw me do when I was driving
including reversing, turning, and managing the accelerator and the brakes. His
love for cars is what Bandura describes as intrinsic motivation that drives him
to want to learn how to drive. Now, I better hide my car keys. I believe in
Bandura’s theory; people do pay attention to see how to learn and that is the
reason why there are musicians who are great but cannot read the music.
Influences of
Learning
It is remarkable
how our passion and environment influence how we learn.
According to the
social learning theory, learning is influenced by people's state of mind and
internal and external factors. Bandura explains that a person's desire to
learn, pride, satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, and rewards reinforce the
desire to learn, and self-efficacy which is someone’s belief that they can
learn a concept (Cherry, 2022). Educators must pay attention to factors that
influence learning because this is what motivates learning.
The Role of Memory
The social learning theory describes four steps that lead to memory such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Bandura believes that people who are interested in a topic pays attention and acquire and store information that they can reuse, then they will be able to perform the behavior learned which leads to improvement and skill advancement and finally motivation to imitate the behavior that has been modelled, of course reinforcement and punishment plays a key role here (Cherry, 2022). For example, a child learning to ride their bicycle is interested in learning simply because he sees other kids riding their bikes, which motivates learning.
How Transfer Occurs
Bandura explains
that learning is transmitted by modeling behaviour. Bandura explains that role
models are used to model desired behavior (Cherry, 2020). We have seen where
role models can be positive and negative and that is why as educators it is
important that we understand that we are the main source of education and are
role models. We must protect our children's exposure to their social
environment because what they see or hear is what they will do or say.
Learning
Styles/Strategies
The learning styles
that are best explained by the social learning theory is visual, auditory and
kinesthetic. The learning theory explains how people will model the information
they observe in their environment (Cherry, 2022). Back to the bicycle scenario
where a child can see how the bicycle works and repeat what they see others
doing. But people also learn by what they hear and so auditory comes into
effect. Therefore, IDs must create classrooms that apply to the different
learning styles.
Infusion of
Technology
A good student
teacher relationship is important for learning even in the digital world.
Andrew Fultz (2023) explains that good student-teacher relationship leads to
good academic performance and social and emotional health of students. Factors
that assist in establishing this form of relationship are time spent with
learner, this can be done using emails and instant messaging applications. The
Kahoot games can be used for review which will provide help for students to
clear concepts. Relationships are important because teachers are role models
and should guide the learner.
Connectivism theory
How Learning Occurs
Technology rewrites
the way people learn, the connectivism theory focuses on how people learn in
the digital age. Learning happens in a diverse environment where an individual
will make sense of new information through their jobs and technology (Siemen
2005). People make sense of what is currently happening around them compared to
what was learned decades ago.
Influences of
Learning
Technology and
Networking influences learning. Learning in the digital age will tell you that
technology is rewiring our brains (Siemens 2005). Technology and networking
have placed information at our fingertips. People are quick to browse the
internet to query information that piques their interest or even call a friend
or colleague. There is so much information in the digital world, hence the
increase in online learning.
The Role of Memory
The half-life theory influences memory. If the information is not used it goes and those that are used remain, but people will choose what is obsolete from what is not (Siemens, 2005). I tested my culinary class, students whose elders would tell them that removing a certain part of the egg before baking would minimize the scent that comes with raw eggs were allowed to do so before baking and vice versa. In the end, all inspected the baked product only to find that removing the part of the egg that the elders claimed gave the raw egg its scent did not make a difference when baked. Of course, some held on to the idea that the elders were right others did not. It is the learner's intuition that will decide what information is relevant and what is not.
How Transfer Occurs
The theory argues
that a vast amount of learning happens outside of the classroom. People learn
in different ways including ways communities of practice, personal networks,
and through completion of work-related tasks (Siemens, 2005), this is how
knowledge is transferred. People associate knowledge within a group
(community), sharing skills and knowledge in personal networks and even at
their jobs. These environments are where rich information is shared so much
that concepts, perceptions theories are usually tested amongst individuals in
these settings.
Learning
Styles/Strategies
The learning styles
that are best applied to the connectivism theory are, auditory, visual,
kinesthetic, and reading and writing (Orey 2010). People learn what they see,
hear, can do, and read. The internet is connected to all these learning styles.
Individuals will only feel comfortable testing the credibility of information
only if they themselves become experts in it and this they do through all these
learning styles.
Infusion of Technology
Micheal Orey (2010)
shares that online space learning is easy, information is popularly shared
through social networking sites (SNS) which develops students' higher-order
thinking skills (HOTS). Based on the connectivism theory people indulge in critical
thinking and connect a lot with others to share and test information. SNS
promotes this activity and so people will flood the internet to share their
ideas.
Adult Learning
How Learning Occurs
Lifelong learning
has taken its place today. Malcolm Knowles, the father of andragogy, explains
andragogy in adult learning. Adults learn from five main assumptions such as
independence of self-concept, life experiences, change of social roles,
problem-centered, interest, and motivation (Orey, 2010). Adults can relate to
this as the decision to acquire new knowledge is formed from these
perspectives.
Influences of
Learning
There are various
factors that influence adult learning. Michael Orey (2010) shares that life and
work experience, cognitive abilities, time, and age influence adult learning.
Education is a choice for adults who usually think about the time they must
study between their personal lives and use life experiences to make meaning of
topics. Many are concerned if they have the cognitive capabilities to learn
especially at their age. Educators must understand andragogy to cater to the
needs of adult learners.
The Role of Memory &
Transfer of Knowledge
Adult learners
possess a wealth of knowledge and sharing helps them to retain information.
Orey (2010) emphasizes the fact that the sharing of ideas and experiences
fosters memory for adults. As adult learners discover information, they make
meaning of it through life experience which influences their memory of the
topics.
The question is how
adult learners transfer information. The information is transferred in a
collaborative space as adults are usually eager to share their experiences as
they relate to the information being learned. He refers to this as a corporate
environment.
Learning
Styles/Strategy & Technology Infusion
Dr Ormstrod (2023)
in her video on ‘Learning Styles and Strategies’ explains three learning styles
that apply to adult learners such as elaboration, comprehensive monitoring, and
mnemonics. She explains that adults like to use their experience and elaborate
when learning, likewise when reading a book they will want to understand the
concepts shared and develop their own understanding of what is written there
also they will learn by forming acronyms to concepts called ‘mnemonics’ to
remind themselves of meanings. As adult learners elaborate a lot there are many
online spaces where this can be done live and otherwise to include ChatGPT,
Social Network Sites.
Conclusion
Learning is fun.
Educators must find the relevance of the learning theories use them wisely in
the classroom. A look at the theories is one, but we must be comfortable and
aware of our audience to cater to their learning preferences, styles and needs.
The factors that influence learning are to be considered before the planning of
lessons. Memory is very important for the transfer of learning to take place.
We live in a digital world and must find resources to aid in teaching
especially online. Educators who understand the factors that influence learning
can design strategic classrooms and bring meaning that will create an impact on
the world of education. Education is a powerful tool and educators must be
prepared to empower minds.
References
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October 14). How does observational learning actually work? Verywell
Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074
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(2008). A fresh look at brain-based education. Phi Delta Kappan, 89(6),
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Kolb, L. (2023, October
18). Designing lessons with Digital Tech. Edutopia.
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Siemens, G. (2005).
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http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm
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