Learning Theories Flashcards
(23 cards)
Associationism
Theory that one’s ideas are connected to one’s experiences.
David Hume
First theorist to describe associationism as a learning theory. Identified 3 principles of associationism: resemblance, contiguity, and causation.
The two camps of associationism
Nativists and empiricists
Albert Bandura
Proposed the social learning theory (later named social cognitive learning theory) after his famous Bobo doll experiment
Social Cognitive Theory
Concept that children learn by observing others. Four Elements: Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
Edwin Hutchins
Developed the theory of distributed cognition while studying navigation on US navy ships.
Distributed Cognition Theory
Theory that cognition is distributed among all individuals, objects, artifacts, and tools in an environment.
Behaviorism
Theory that learning occurs through positive or negative reinforcement.
B.F. Skinner
Influential theorist to the behaviorism learning theory. Developed the “Skinner box” for testing positive and negative reinforcement learning in animals.
Ivan Pavlov
Russian physiologist who studied conditioned reflex theory, which eventually became the behaviorism learning theory.
Positive Reinforcement
The idea of introducing a reinforcing stimulus following a specific behavior you would like to encourage.
Instructivism
Theory that the teacher is solely in charge of what is to be learned and how it is to be learned. Often seen as a teacher-centered learning environment.
George Siemens
Developed the theory of connectivism. Used the theory to explain how the Internet has created new opportunities for people to learn and share information.
Connectivism
A framework for understanding learning in the digital age. States that learning happens across and within networks, not just the individual.
Constructivism
Theory that individuals construct and develop their own knowledge based on their experiences.
Lev Vygotsky
His theories stressed the fundamental role of social interaction on cognitive development.
Zone of Proximal Development
Developed by Vygotsky. The zone of proximal development measures the difference between what a student can do by themselves, what they can do with the guidance of someone, and what they cannot do yet even with guidance. The zone of proximal development is what a learner can do with guidance.
Jean Piaget
Developed a theory of cognitive development that stated that intelligence changes as children grow. Piaget’s four stages are: Sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage.
Situated Learning Theory
Theory that students are more inclined to learn by actively participating in the learning experience.
Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger
Developed the situated learning theory.
Malcolm Knowles
Developed the adult learning theory
Adult Learning Theory
Theory based around how adults learn. Believes that adult learning is best accomplished when learners are given an understanding of why they are learning something, as well as lots of practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Five Assumptions of Adult Learners
- Self-concept; 2. Experience; 3. Readiness to learn; 4. Orientation to learning; 5. Motivation to Learn
