Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective

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Developed in the 1950s, this theory moves away from behaviorism to focus on the mind’s role in learning. Five chapters cover the major theories of learning--behaviorism, social cognitive theory, information processing theory, and constructivism. Take the first steps toward a fulfilling career in academia, childcare, child psychology, or a related field with a regionally accredited Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education.

Vignettes featured at the introduction of every chapter set the stage for readers for the concepts about to be discussed in the chapters and how the content applies in real situations involving teaching and learning. Harasim (2017) makes the point that each learning theory is associated with particular pedagogies and learning technologies.My choice of these nine theories stems from a synthesis of three major books on learning theories: Schunk (2020), Lefrançois (2019) and Harasim (2017). Much of the detail of this chapter is devoted to the modeling processes that are critical to social cognitive theory and its application to instruction. On the other hand, the major limitations of the book include the criteria set to define learning was mainly in favor of behavioral learning theories which is against the notion of the book. The reviews were made on the book entitled “Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective” written by Schunk in 2020 which aimed at pinpointing important insights for readers. An understanding of learning theories can help educators to “reflect on their practice, improve upon, reshape and refine their work, and contribute to advancing the discipline” (Harasim, 2017).

Consequently, numerous scientists, psychologists, and thought leaders have devoted their careers to studying learning theories. The passive view of teaching views the learner as ‘an empty vessel’ to be filled with knowledge," explains Simply Psychology, "whereas constructivism states that learners construct meaning only through active engagement with the world (such as experiments or real-world problem solving). Features a chapter on the Neuroscience of Learning (Chapter 2) so students can better understand the basics of brain operation and the roles of brain structures in learning. But, other than its relatively recent introduction as a theory of learning, what makes Connectivism so useful and relevant to the modern student — and educator?This is the first in a series of posts looking at learning theories and how they can inform the design of blended and online learning in Higher Education.

That’s an important topic that we’ll discuss more later on in this guide, where we’ll share a few tips and strategies for utilizing theories of learning in the classroom. Educational theories have come a long way since the days of Socrates and even the pioneers of behaviorism and cognitivism. Another theory to consider exploring further is the “Learning as a Network” or LaaN Theory, which one 2012 study defined as a “new learning theory characterized by the convergence of KM [Knowledge Management] and TEL [Technology-Enhanced Learning] within a learner-centric knowledge environment.Learning is based on a system of routines that "drill" information into a student’s memory bank, as well as positive feedback from teachers and an educational institution itself. Learning theories cannot provide complete and definitive answers to pedagogic questions, but they can improve our understanding of how people learn. Harasim (2017) also highlights the role of disciplinary knowledge communities: “Deciding what to study when we seek to explain how people learn or deciding how to teach depends upon our disciplinary beliefs and perspectives”. Although the text places primary emphasis on cognitive theories that stress learners’ constructions of beliefs, skills, strategies, and knowledge, behavioural theories also are discussed.