Learning Theories and Theorists

BF Skinner – Behaviorism
The idea encompassed by this theory is that positive reinforcement
(such as rewards, prizes, praise, etc.) improves behavior and
ensures that the behavior becomes learned and repeated.
Negative reinforcement, or punishment, makes a child shy away
from a behavior.
Behaviorism is best exemplified when using gamification in

the classroom, whether in an online setting or in person. Online,

when students earn badges for the completion of their work or even a simple check mark by

the completed assignments, that gives them positive reinforcement. The in-person version of

this is with behavior charts in the classroom, and students receive stickers for the behaviors or

tasks they have completed that week. Skinner maintained that rewards and punishments

control most human behaviors (Clark, 173). His take on Behaviorism was that if reinforced and

rewarded enough, student retention would be impressive.

When working toward recognition, students feel more invested in their work. I feel this

is an important learning theory and would most definitely be worthwhile to reference and use

when designing courses as an Instructional Designer. It’s even as simple as when within a

learning management system, your grade starts from zero and you accumulate points to equal

100 by the end of the semester. That visual representation of success is very beneficial - to all

age groups!
Howard Gardner – Multiple Intelligences
Students have multiple ways of absorbing and processing
information, whether it be logical, visual, verbal, musical and the
list goes on.
This theory is used in teaching and learning every day to

engage students in different capacities. In order to keep all students interested in the subjects

at hand, this theory of Multiple Intelligences needs to be considered. Gardner is quoted saying

“I think that most adults who work with children realize that a simple IQ number is not nearly

adequate for explaining the different intellectual strengths and weaknesses of the children

whom they know” (A Conversation with Howard Gardner). Each student learns slightly

differently, so if teachers are offering a balance of ways to deliver content, every learner has a

fair opportunity to represent their skills adequately.

When designing courses as an Instructional Designer, this theory is going to be top of

mind. I will incorporate different types of multimedia for modules within the course – to

present the content auditorily by podcast type elements, videos that are talking heads or

screen recordings, written PDFs with the same content from the audio or video, etc. It’s also

important to give students the opportunity to have different options as far as how they would

like to complete an assignment. This assignment is a good example of this theory – learners

were able to choose whether to write a report or create a PowerPoint presentation.

Jean Piaget – Constructivism
Students learn by doing as opposed to being told.
Constructivism is a theory that has developed over time.

Piaget discusses two types of experience: physical learning

through direct interaction with objects, and logical-mathematical

learning that results from actions taken upon objects (14). The idea behind it is that students

are going to retain information better if they are putting it to practice right away, instead of just

having a teacher stand in front of them and talk about a subject.

A good example of putting this to use in the classroom is to introduce a subject, have

the students do a few activities relating to that topic, and then reconvene for a little longer

discussion, including the students’ ideas and reflections. Good examples of hands-on

experiences in the classrooms is using things such as dominos, die, and number/picture cards

for opportunities to construct the idea of number and the concepts of addition and subtraction

(14).

Technology is a huge benefactor that contributes to enabling this theory in everyday

curriculum. Technology opens so many possibilities for students to be able to visit different

locations virtually, conduct experiments online, build media, solve problems, etc. Learners can

dig right in and put to practice what they are being taught, which helps the Constructivism

theory come to life.

 References
A Conversation With Howard Gardner. (2019). Art Education, 72(3), 55–58. https://doi-
org.login.library.coastal.edu:8443/10.1080/00043125.2019.1603514

Clark, K. R. (2018). Learning Theories: Behaviorism. Radiologic Technology, 90(2), 172–175.

Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.login.library.coastal.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=
ccm&AN=132750220&site=eds-live

Sharkins, K., Newton, A., Causey, C., & Ernest, J. M. (2017). Flipping Theory: Ways in Which
Children’s Experiences in the 21st Century Classroom Can Provide Insight into the
Theories of Piaget and Vygotsky. International Journal of Early Childhood Education and
Care, 6, 11–18. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1208017&site=eds
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