LEARNING THEORIES

BEHAVIORISM, COGNITIVISM, CONSTRUCTIVISM

Background Information
Learning theories allow teachers to better understand
the process of learning.

Together with the use of technology, learn theories

have made a significant impact in the classroom.

There are many learning paradigms, however,

behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism will be the
focus for this lesson.
 Behaviorism
The theory originates from the works of Ivan Pavlovs, classical
conditioning, and B. F. Skinners, operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning is when an unconditioned stimulus and

response is manipulated with a conditioned stimulus to create a
conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning is a controlled response with a reward/

punishment system according to the behavior.

The learner needs reinforcements to keep interest.

Stimuli are effective in controlling behavior.

As a result, the behaviors can be measured to record learning success.

 Cognitivism
Information Processing looks at how information is retrieved and
stored.
This theory focuses on how to store and retrieve information.
Learning is attained through rehearsal and consistent use of the
information.
Retention strategies such as breaking down information and
comparing the information to long term storage are great techniques.
 Constructivism
Constructivism views learning as a process in which the learner
constructs knowledge based on their past experiences.

The teacher only acts as a facilitator who encourages students to

explore within a given framework.

Learners may collaborate with others

to organize their ideas and learn from
each other to construct their own
knowledge.
Putting It All Together
Learning Theory Learning Process Technology Support
Through positive/ Educational software
Behaviorism negative can be used to
reinforcement and measure the students
punishment assessment
Rehearsing Flashcards and
Cognitivism information and then memory games can
storing it for long term help retain information
use taught in a lesson
Constructing ones Group PowerPoint
Constructivism own knowledge projects allow students
through past to work together and
experiences and combine their
group collaboration knowledge to learn
 Web Resources
Behavioral Learning Theory
http://suedstudent.syr.edu/~ebarrett/ide621/behavior.htm

Cognitivism Learning Theory

http://web.syr.edu/~walker/COGNITIVISMTHEORIES.htm

Constructivism Learning Theory

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_theories