The Primary Types of Educational Learning Theories

In the disciplines of education and psychology, the education learning or educational learning theory is usually defined as the idea or hypothesis on how people and animals would undergo the process of learning for understanding and comprehending the complex process of learning. The education learning theory has the two primary goals – the first is providing us with the conceptual framework and vocabulary in interpreting and understanding the examples of learning that we observe, and the second is providing us with suggestions on how and where to find solutions to practical problems.

According to various experts and researchers, there are at least 22 educational learning theories that have their own specific definitions and purposes. However, many experts would agree that there are four education learning theories that are commonly discussed and studied in the subject areas of psychology and education. The four primary education learning theories are commonly used as field of studies or topics of discussion in academic settings such as universities and colleges in both undergraduate courses and in postgraduate education.

The four primary educational learning theories are the theories of behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, and transformative learning. The behaviourism theory is based on three basic assumptions. The first assumption is that learning is expressed or personified by a change in behaviour. The second assumption is that the environment would shape the behaviour. The third assumption is that the principles of contiguity or proximity and reinforcement are essential for the explanation of the process of learning. The cognitivism theory is based on the assumption that the ways people would think would affect their behaviour.

Educational Learnings

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.

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Educational Learning Theories

In the fields of psychology and education, learning is known as the process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing or changing one's knowledge, skills, values, and world views. Explanations of what happens when learning takes place constitute learning theories. Many research studies have been carried out regarding the nature of educational learning. What follows is a list indicating the features of some educational learning theories and their corresponding proponents.

Subsumption Thoery – This educational learning theory proposed by David Ausubel describes how mechanism by which new material presented in an academic setting, such as lectures, can be integrated into existing mental structures. The presentation of new knowledge should be preceded by 'advance organisers' in order for subsumption to occur.

Observational Learning Theory – This educational learning theory by Albert Bandura states that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of others.

Constructivist Thoery - This educational learning theory by Jerome Bruner states that individuals actively construct knowledge by comparing new ideas or concepts with their current knowledge, also known as schema or mental models.

Pansophism – Jan Amos Comenious proposed this educational learning theory which espouses the idea that learning, emotional and spiritual growth are connected to one another. He proposed teaching not merely through memorisation, but also through stimulation of the senses.

Learning by Doing - This educational learning theory by John Dewey proposes that learning occurs through experience.

Socioemotional Development – Erik Erikson's 'Eight Stages of Man' describes a series of crises that individuals pass through at different stages.

Cognitive Dissonance – Leon Festinger's educational learning theory, which is one basis for constructivism, states that inconsistencies between behaviours and beliefs motivate people to change.

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