8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 1/22

 A Brief History of Learning Theory 

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 2/22

Learning as a Black Box

So what¶s happening inside the box?

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 3/22

Behaviorism

Learning is defined by the outwardexpression of new behaviors

Focuses solely on observable behaviors

A biological basis for learning

Learning is context-independent

Classical & Operant Conditioning Reflexes (Pavlov¶s Dogs)

Feedback/Reinforcement (Skinner¶s Pigeon Box)

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 4/22

Behaviorism in the Classroom

Rewards andpunishments

Responsibility forstudent learningrests squarelywith the teacher

Lecture-based,highly structured

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 5/22

Cognitivism

Grew in response to Behaviorism

Knowledge is stored cognitively as symbols

Learning is the process of connectingsymbols in a meaningful & memorable way

Studies focused on the mental processes

that facilitate symbol connection

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 6/22

Cognitivism cont.

Jean Piaget

Genetic Epistemology

Assimilation and Accommodation

Jerome Bruner

Discovery Learning

Learner as independent problem-solver

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 7/22

Cognitivism in the Classroom

Inquiry-orientedprojects

Opportunities for thetesting of hypotheses

Curiosity encouraged

Staged scaffolding

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 8/22

Critiques of Cognitivism

Like Behaviorism, knowledge itself is givenand absolute

Input ± Process ± Output model ismechanistic and deterministic

Does not account enough for individuality

Little emphasis on affective characteristics

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 9/22

Social Learning Theory ( SLT)

Grew out of Cognitivism

A. Bandura (1973)

Learning takes place through observationand sensorial experiences

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

SLT is the basis of the movement againstviolence in media & video games Bobo Doll Experiment

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 10/22

SLT in the Classroom

Collaborativelearning and groupwork

Modeling responsesand expectations

Opportunities toobserve experts inaction

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 11/22

Critiques of Social Learning Theory 

Does not take into account individuality,context, and experience as mediatingfactors

Suggests students learn best as passivereceivers of sensory stimuli, as opposed tobeing active learners

Emotions and motivation not consideredimportant or connected to learning

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 12/22

Social Constructivism

Grew out of and in response to Cognitivism,framed around metacognition

Knowledge is actively constructed

Learning is« A search for meaning by the learner Contextualized An inherently social activity Dialogic and recursive The responsibility of the learner

Social Learning Zone of Proximal Development

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 13/22

Social Constructivism in the Classroom

Journaling

Experiential

activities Personal focus

Collaborative & 

cooperative learning

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 14/22

Critiques of Social Constructivism

Suggests that knowledge is neither givennor absolute

Often seen as less rigorous thantraditional approaches to instruction

Does not fit well with traditional agegrouping and rigid terms/semesters

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 15/22

Multiple Intelligences ( MI)

Grew out of Constructivism, framed aroundmetacognition

H. Gardner (1983 to present)

All people are born with eight intelligences:

Enables students to leverage their strengths andpurposefully target and develop their weaknesses

1. Verbal-Linguistic 5. Musical

2. Visual-Spatial 6. Naturalist

3. Logical-Mathematical 7. Interpersonal4. Kinesthetic 8. Intrapersonal

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 16/22

MI in the Classroom

Delivery of instruction viamultiple mediums

Student-centeredclassroom

Authentic

Assessment Self-directed

learning

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 17/22

Critiques of MI

Lack of quantifiable evidence that MI exist

Lack of evidence that use of MI as a

curricular and methodological approachhas any discernable impact on learning

Development process is a time-sink

Suggestive of a departure from corecurricula and standards

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 18/22

Brain-Based Learning (BBL)

Grew out of Neuroscience & Constructivism

D. Souza, N. Caine & G. Caine, E. Jensen(1980¶s to present)

12 governing principles

1. Brain is a parallel processor 7. Focused attention & peripheral perception

2. Whole body learning 8. Conscious & unconscious processes

3. A search for meaning 9. Several types of memory

4. Patterning 10. Embedded learning sticks5. Emotions are critical 11. Challenge & threat

6. Processing of parts and wholes 12. Every brain is unique

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 19/22

BBL in the Classroom

Opportunities for grouplearning

Regular environmentalchanges

A multi-sensoryenvironment

Opportunities for self-expression and making

personal connections tocontent

Community-basedlearning

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 20/22

Critiques of BBL

Research conducted by neuroscientists, notteachers & educational researchers

Lack of understanding of the brain itself makes ³brain-based´ learning questionable

Individual principles have beenscientifically questioned

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 21/22

Other Learning Theories of Note

Andragogy (M. Knowles)

Flow (M. Czikszentmihalyi)

Situated Learning (J. Lave)

Subsumption Theory (D. Ausubel)

Conditions of Learning (R.

Gagne)

8/8/2019 Copy of a Brief History of Learning Theory

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/copy-of-a-brief-history-of-learning-theory 22/22

Learning as a Not-So-Black Box