Educational Learning Theories and theorists: The Man behind the words

So many educational learning styles are out there, and the theorists behind them conclude to one thing: each individual has distinct learning styles and respond differently to various types of stimuli. Here, we review some of the important educational learning theories ever constructed, the rationalities of each, and the theorists behind the words.

Ausubel Subsumption Theory

Mechanism by which new material presented in academic settings (lectures) can be integrated into existing mental structures. For subsumption to occur, the presentation of new knowledge should be preceded by "advance organizers."

Bruner Constructivist Theory

Individuals actively construct knowledge by comparing new ideas or concepts with their current knowledge (schema or mental models).

Comenius Pansophism (universal knowledge)

The idea that learning, emotional, and spiritual growth are interwoven. This theory proposes that teaching be made through stimulation of the senses, not merely through memorisation. Comenius Pansophism happens to be considered the "Father of Modern Education."

Gagne Conditions of Learning

The different kinds of learning (motor skills, verbal skills) require different conditions; therefore, different strategies should be used.

Gardner Multiple Intelligences

Each individual possesses seven distinct and measurable forms of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, body-kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, and interpersonal.

Locke Tabula Rasa

The idea that individuals are "blank slates" on which teachers could "write" knowledge. John Locke was a renowned forerunner of behaviourism.

Maslow Hierarchy of Needs

Humans naturally strive to satisfy needs. The five levels of needs, from lowest to highest, are:

physiological, safety, love, esteem, self-actualization.

Lower level needs must be satisfied before the individual can move on to satisfy higher level needs. Miller Information Processing Theory Short term memory can only hold 5-9 "chunks" of information at a time. A chunk can be any meaningful idea like a word, an identifiable image, or a digit.

Rogers Experiential Learning

This theory explains there are two types of knowledge: academic and experiential. In comparison to academic knowledge, experiential knowledge is acquired to meet the needs of the learner, usually to complete an important, real-life task. Example: Learning to drive a car.

Thorndike Connectionism

Learners form associations or connections between a stimulus and a response. Through trial and error, rewarded responses would be strengthened.

Vygotsky Social Development Theory and ZPD

Social interaction is critical for cognitive development. Related to this is the idea of a "Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)." Some skills, an individual can perform independently. Other skills can be performed if the individual has assistance. Skills that can be performed with assistance are said to be within an individual's ZPD.

Wertheimer Gestalt Theory

Some ideas can only be understood as part of a "bigger picture" Important in problem-solving.

Educational Learnings

How to make educational learning more efficient

Educational learning gives focus on the intellectual development of individuals as opposed to technical development derived from hands-on training or practice promoting particular skills. Contrary to the classroom environment as the typical strategy in giving education, each individual do have his/her own personally accepted ways in their approach to learning and using information.

As complex as how the brain processes and stores information, so does picking an educational learning strategy that would work for you. No matter, your strategy hinges on your preferences. In some situations, students benefit from having a different approach to specific areas of study.

For instance, some strategies are devised for reading, writing, studying and remembering information, improving assignment and test performance, interacting with others effectively, motivation, and math.

Normally, you put focus on a subject you have difficulty in. Yet, this might not suffice for a successful educational learning. This can happen when you approach a subject the wrong way. Even if you do gain some success, certainly, you will achieve better results had you used the suitable strategy. In short, no single strategy is a panacea simply because the brain’s approach to different fields also varies.

Another consideration is your own learning style and preferences of learning environments. Unbelievably, some individuals are more productive in classroom environments; others fare better in solitary environments; others can put their best foot forward when working in a team; while some people accomplish more things when doing them in public, such as cafes or fast food joints, etc.

If you had seen the best results from your projects, do not always blame yourself or mislabel yourself incapable of such endeavours. Perhaps you have not discovered the most suitable strategy for you. Knowing one’s self is a must, if you want to see fruitful results.

It is similar to career success. Most people who reach heights in their career are passionate at what they do which is the motivating factor. If you have both the passion and the correct educational learning strategies, and belong to an organisation that supports skills development, chances are you can get good results.

Read on topics about educational learning strategies to know about your specific learning style.

Educational Learnings