Learning Theories Statement

The Learning Area of English, in the Year 3 Western Australian Curriculum, is underpinned
by established learning theory. One learning theory that underpins the Learning Area of
English is the Social Constructivist theory. This specific theory was developed by Lev
Semyonovich Vygotsky and was published in 1962. (Learning Theories, n.d.). The main
concept behind Vygotsky’s theory of Social Constructivism is that it is a theory about how
people learn. This particular learning theory reveals the notion that people construct their
own knowledge and understanding of the world through experiencing things and
reflecting upon those experiences. Vygotsky’s theory is heavily based upon the
interactions that people have with one another. The learning theory of Social
Constructivism encompasses five main stages. The firsts stage of this learning theory is
that learning is active. This means that information is manipulated, and that observation of
results stimulate greater understanding. The second stage is that learning is constructive.
This is when the experiences of one are integrated with prior knowledge and reflected
upon. Learning being authentic is the next stage in Vygotsky’s learning theory. This means
that when learning is set in a real-world context it is more easily transferred into other
areas and situations. Vygotsky also describes that learning is co-operative. This reveals the
social aspect of learning and how the interaction with others is deepens the meaning of
something. The final stage of the Social Constructivism learning theory is that learning is
intentional. This means that it gives learners opportunities to articulate their goals, which
further promotes learner control. All of the above stages of Vygotsky’s Social
Constructivism learning theory play a major role in the Learning Area of English. This is
due to the fact that when learning any aspect of any language, it is integral that social
interaction occurs. This is the best and most efficient way to learn about a language and
the context behind it. When teaching the Learning Area of English, teachers should
consider incorporating Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism learning theory into their
classrooms, to reap the benefits of their students gaining success.

The Learning Area of English is additionally underpinned by Howard Gardner’s learning

theory of Multiple Intelligences. The Multiple Intelligences learning theory reveals the
notion that people do not all learn in the same mannerisms. There are eight Multiple
Intelligences that Gardner has proposed. These include: logical-mathematical, visual,
musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal, intrapersonal and linguistic. This
reveals that learning styles differ and that each of the Intelligences is important. These all
relate to the Learning Area of English, as language is a societal need. Language is the
main way in which people communicate. Without being able to learn about language,
society would not be able to function. Thorough the incorporation of Gardner’s Multiple
Intelligences in a classroom environment, teachers can establish how students learn best,
therefore being able to assist students in a way they will understand and benefit from.