Learning Theories

1. Learning Theories Amari Tavel BenLevi EDMS 6474 Columbus State University

2. Two Perspective on Effective Instruction • Direct instruction- This view is based on objectivism, a belief system grounded primarily in behaviorist learning theory and the information- processing branch of the cognitive learning theories. • Inquiry-based learning-Learners should generate their own knowledge through experiences, while teachers serve only as facilitators. This view is based on constructivism, which evolved from other branches of thinking in cognitive learning theory.

3. Objectivism vs. Constructivism Objectivist Constructivist Social Activism Social Learning Scaffolding Child Development Discovery Learning Multiple Intelligence • Behaviorist • Information-processing • Cognitive-behaviorial • Systems theories

4. Behaviorist • Theorist believe that instruction must provide the right stimuli and reinforcement to get students to make the desired behavioral responses, or learned skills. • Famous behaviorist theorist is B. F. Skinner

5. Information Processing Theories • Idea that hypothesize processes inside the brain allow human beings to learn and remember. • Based on a model of memory and storage proposed by Atikinson and Shiffirin.

6. Cognitive Behaviorist Theory • Instruction provides conditions for learning by offering activities matched to each type of skill. • Computer based methods such as drills and tutorials are deemed useful.

7. Systems Approaches: Instructional Design Models • The application of both military and industrial training systems principles to create models for designing school and college instruction. • A system of instruction can be designed to achieve replicable results efficiently.

8. Social Activism • Famous philosopher is John Dewey • The idea that students should be able to create their own curriculum based on what they show interest in.

9. Social Cognitive Theory • Famous theorist is Albert Bandura • The teachers job is to shape the messages that social media may have on students, so that they may have a positive impact on self-efficacy.

10. Scaffolding Theories • How children learn and think is derived from the culture that surrounds them. • Children learn by building on what they know to what they need to know, with help of adults.

11. Child Development Theory • Jean Piagets idea that children have different levels of cognitive development. • These levels are known as stages and one can not move to one without having been in the previous stage.

12. Discovery Learning • Children go through various stages of intellectual development • Learning that is supported with simulations, problem-solving environment and exploring internet sites for relevant information.

13. Multiple Intelligence • Famous theorist is Howard Gardner • At least eight different and relatively independent kinds of intelligence • Supports doing group work on multimedia products, assigning students group roles based on their type of intelligence.

14. What is the Best Method? • Best method is a mixture of both • Students need the direct approach to ensure they have a good foundations of new material. • Students also need to figure out some more information and construct their own meaning of the material.

15. References • Roblyer, M. (2015). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed., pp. 33-55). Boston, MA: Pearson.