Learning Theories

Overview

• Warm-Up
• Presentation
• Roleplay
• Discussion

Behaviorism

Behaviorism

• observable behavior
• reinforcement / reward for desired behavior

Behaviorists

• Pavlov
• Watson
• Rayner
• Thorndike
• Skinner

Cognitivism

Cognitivism

• information processed like a computer
• how information received, organized, stored, retained

Cognitivists

• Gestalt
• Piaget
• Vygotsky

Constructivism

Constructivism

• knowledge = meaning making
• interpretation of experiences
• authentic situations/contexts, PBL
• active learning
• teacher as "coach/faciltator"
• T activates schema
• learner brings past experience & culture

Keywords

• Problem-based Learning (PBL)
• Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
• Scaffolding
• inquiry & discovery learning
• schema / schemata

Constructivists

• Piaget
• Vygotsky
• Jerome Bruner
• Dewey
• Vico
• Rort

Activity Theory

Activity Theorists

• Vygotsky
• Leont'ev
• Engestrom

Activity Theory

• systemic: analysis of activity system
• partcipatory unit
• interlink individual & social
• balancing of tensions for evolution
• multi-disciplinary
• foster multiple perspectives

Activity Concepts

• transaction - not interaction
• dynamic - not static
• constantly transformed
• contradictions / tensions?
• nodes as "buckets"
• aims to describe - not change

CONFUSED?

"Although certain researchers may consistently apply a preferred stratetgy, there is . . . no accepted methodology for using Activity Theory."

Theory Roleplay

Theory Roleplay

• Review assigned theory & topic
• Plan a skit demonstrating how you' teach this topic applying the principles of your theory
• Present your skit to the class

Discussion Questions

How have the learning theories influenced ET in the past?

How will the learning theories influence ET in the future?

With what learning theory do you most strongly associate your ideas about learning?

"PBL is perhaps the most innovative instructional method conceived in the history of education."

CLEs are designed for ill-designed or ill-structured environments.
HUH?

Are there educational systems that still maintain the more traditional approaches to instructional design?


What systems have reached and embrace this shift and which haven’t?


How much of the ET field focuses on learning in the U.S. and/or Western world?

Thank you!