Learning Theories. How do human beings learn?

Transcription

1 Learning Theories How do human beings learn?

2 Students should be able to: objectives demonstrate understanding of how human beings learn. recognize different human learning theories. recognize the type of learning adopted by each theory.

3 Behaviorism The term behaviorism refers to a theory of learning founded by John B. Watson in Watson has adopted the classical conditioning theory which was first introduced by the Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov as the explanation for all learning. For Pavlov, the learning process consisted of the formation of associations between stimuli and reflexive response (Classical conditioning). B.F. Skinner (1938) has added the operant conditioning that is concerned with the consequences (i.e. rewards and punishments for behavior).

4 Behaviorism has several characteristics: A particular stimulus provokes a particular response Behaviour that is positively reinforced is learned Repetition and rote lead to learning Learning is largely for extrinsic purposes Negative reinforcement leads to forgetting Lack of repetition leads to extinction Learning is conditioned behaviour Learning is evidence in observable behaviour Learning can be programmed

5 Cognitive learning theory This theory was first founded by David Ausubel in Cognitive theory looks beyond behavior to explain brain-based learning. According to Ausubel, learning takes place in the human organism through a meaningful process of relating new events or items to already existing cognitive concepts. This theory is best understood by contrasting rote learning (i.e. mental storage of items) and meaningful learning (i.e. the process of relating new materials to already existing entities in the cognitive structure).

6 Constructivism It is a theory which regards learning as an active process in which learners construct and internalize new concepts, ideas and knowledge based on their own present and past knowledge and experiences. There are two types of constructivism: 1- Cognitive constructivism 2- Social constructivism

7 1- cognitive constructivism Cognitive constructivism was introduced by Piaget. It is concerned with thinking and learning. Some characteristics of cognitive constructivism: - Students construct their own knowledge of the world. - Learning is a search for meaning, looking for wholes as well as parts. - To teach well we have to understand what students are thinking. - Learning is self-directed and active. - Learning derives from experience

8 2- Social constructivism This type of constructivism was introduced by Vygotsky. For Vygotsky, learning is a social, collaborative and interactional activity in which it is difficult to teach specifically. In social constructive learning, the community (e.g. of learners, parents, teachers, other adults both in school and out of school) is important.

9 Type of learning according to each theory 1- Behaviorism: Memorizing and responding 2- Cognitive learning theory: memorizing and application of rules. 3- Constructivism: Problem solving in realistic and investigation situation. 4- Social constructivism: collaborative learning and problem solving

10 Summary So far, we have discussed different learning theories in order to answer the question: how do human beings learn?. There is a move from behaviorist, stimulusresponse theory, through cognitivism, with its emphasis on information processing and transmission, to constructivism. It is important to know these theories in order to evaluate the usefulness of their application in teaching. Based on such evaluation, teachers can develop effective methods and strategies that best suit their students.

11 Next week Learning styles.

12 References Cohen, L., Manion, L., &Morrison, K. (2004). A guide to teaching practice (5th ed.). RoutledgeFalmer Brown, H. (2000). Principles of language learning and teaching (4th ed.). Addison Wesley: Longman, Inc.