You are on page 1of 11

Behaviorism

A Handbook of
Applied Learning Theory

Cognitivism Constructivism

Behaviorism

A Handbook of
Applied Learning Theory
Introduction
This reference book outlines learning theories and their accompanying applications. It is designed to be a starting place to incorporate the theoretical foundations of learning into educational practice. This guide is by no means comprehensive. Information Processing Theory The theory of information processing has evolved alongside cognitive science and computing, and remains the dominant theory in Instructional Design. The theory looks at the brain like a computer and focuses on how best to reduce cognitive load or the amount of information that can be taken into working memory, and then moving that information into long-term memory. Instructional designers aim to reduce cognitive load and to design curriculum in such a way that information can be synthesized for long-term understanding.

Cognitivism Constructivism

Behaviorism

Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Behaviorism developed from the field of psychology in the early 19th century as a way to methodologically observe and measure learning through stimulus and response.

Constructivism

Behaviorism
Learning is an observable result of stimulus and reinforced response. Behaviorism is primarily concerned with observable behavior, as opposed to internal processes like thinking and emotion. Little difference exists between the learning that takes place in humans and that in other animals. Behavior is the result of stimulus and response (i.e. all behavior, no matter how complex, can be reduced to a simple stimulus response association). All behavior is learned from the environment. We learn new behavior through conditioning.

Behaviorism Cognitivism

Instructional Approach
Learners can be conditioned to acquire facts, generalizations, associations and procedural skills.

Theorists
Ivan Pavlov Edward Thorndike John B. Watson
1849-1927 1874-1949 1878-1959 Famous for the conditioned reflex. Conditioned dogs to salivate over a bell.

Constructivism

Proponent of rewarding versus punishing to motivate learning and encourage it through association.

Identify an objective and reinforce desired behavior until that objective is reached.
Skinner designed an early multiple choice quiz tool he called teaching machines these heavily influenced early Computer Aided Instruction.

BF Skinner

1904-1990

Behaviorism
Learning is an observable result of stimulus and reinforced response.

Behaviorism Cognitivism

Traditional Theories

Applications

Notes
Skinner designed an early multiple choice quiz tool he called teaching machines precursor to Computer Aided Instruction. An objective is identified and discrete successes are reinforced until the ultimate objective is reached. The goals of the learning process; precursor to to Gagnes 9 Events of Instruction.

Operant Conditioning

Teaching Machines, CAI

Shaping
Taxonomies of Learning

Successive Approximation
Blooms Taxonomy

Contemporary Theories

Applications

Notes
Badging rewards discrete achievements.
Personalized learning experiences that target weak areas with real-time feedback.

Constructivism

Game Theory
Shaping

Badging
Adaptive Learning

Behaviorism

Cognitivism
Cognitivism
Cogntivism developed partially in response to behaviorism. Cognitivists are concerned with the processes of the brain in order to better transfer knowledge and promote higher level thinking.

Constructivism

Cognitivism
Learning is an active process that occurs within the brain of the learner and can be influenced by the learner. Cognitivism is concerned with the black box what happens between stimulus and response. The study of cognitivism evolved alongside technology Information Processing Theory is a result of this co-evolution. Emphasis on how to effectively present information for the individual learner. Activating prior learning is essential to new learning.

Behaviorism Cognitivism

Instructional Approach
Present information in the most effective way possible by leveraging our understanding of how the brain works.

Theorists
Jean Piaget
Cognitive Development happens in four sequential stages associated with age. Children build schemas (mental models of information) that they are constantly evolving as they learn.

1896-1980

Constructivism

Lev Vygotsky Jerome Bruner

1896-1934 1915-

Most famous for his Zone of Proximal Development the theory that students most effectively learn when an activity relies on prior learning, but is just beyond their capability.
Often considered an early constructivist. Identified the three ways learners process information: Enactive, Iconic, and Symbolic.

Cognitivism
Learning results when information is stored in memory in a meaningful way

Behaviorism

Traditional Theories Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Applications

Notes
Create activities that rely heavily on prior learning, but are slightly beyond student understanding. Gestalt theory emphasizes learners need to understand the entire picture. Grouping like information aids comprehension.

Cognitivism

Scaffolding

Gestalt Theory

Grouping

Contemporary Theories

Applications

Notes
Knowledge is organized in schemata that enable learners to understand the world. New learning forces learners to alter and update schema. These are ways to present information to efficiently transfer from working to long-term memory.

Constructivism

Schema Theory

Timelines, Diagrams

Cognitive Load

Chunking, Sequencing

Behaviorism

Constructivism
Cognitivism
Constructivism has much in common with cognitivism, with one key philosophical difference. Constructivists believe that knowledge is constructed individually by the learner while cognitivists believe that knowledge is processed and then stored.

Constructivism

Constructivism
Learners build knowledge based on experience. Knowledge is constructed by the learner through experience. Learning by doing is emphasized. Because new learning is dependent on previous learning, context is key. All learning is an active process resulting in knowledge unique to each individual. Constructionism (making knowledge tangible) and Social Constructivism (creating meaning through social interaction) are variations of Constructivism.

Behaviorism Cognitivism

Instructional Approach
Learning is most successful when its self-directed and exploratory with multiple opportunities to process and apply emerging knowledge in new and novel ways.

Theorists
Bruners first two principles of education (readiness, organization) come from cognitivism, but his last (going beyond information given) is a constructivist philosophy. Learners are asked to apply and construct new knowledge using their present understanding. A proponent of constructionism or learning by making through computer programming most notably the language LOGO. Most known for his theory of Cognitive Flexibility, the theory that knowledge can be transferred to new situations if presented in a variety of contexts.

Jerome Bruner Seymour Papert

Constructivism

19151928-

Rand Spiro

1948-

Constructivism
Learners build knowledge based on their experiences.

Behaviorism Cognitivism

Traditional Theories Learning by Doing

Applications Apprenticeships

Notes
Although Constructivism is a new theory of learning, Learning by Doing is nothing new.

Contemporary Theories

Applications

Notes
Essentially the same as Learning by Doing, but now tools exist that allow these activities to happen in the classroom or online. Any activity which requires students to solve a problem real or imagined is a constructivist activity. Any project that approximates a real-world outcome in the domain of study.

Authentic Learning

Simulations, Role-Play

Constructivism

Problem-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning

Puzzles
Real-World Tasks

You might also like