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Classical Conditioning
Pavlov's Classical Conditioning refers to learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally produces a behavior. After the association is learned, the previously neutral stimulus is by itself sufficient to produce the behavior. It could be used to help students overcome anxious activities (presentations) through exposure and positive reinforcement. -
Behaviorism (John B Watson)
Watson published his work "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It" in which he argued that behavior is shaped by our environment. He also advocates for relying on observable changes rather than student introspection for learning. Watson's Theory This theory is useful as we use scores to assess student progress (observable change). -
Zone of Proximal Development
The ZPD was developed by Lev Vygotsky. It defines the distance between the development while using individual problem solving and development while using adult guidance or collaboration. This is one of my favourite theories as applying scaffolding to learning and creating collaborative activities creates a student-centered and positive learning environment. -
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Operant Conditioning
B.F. Skinner introduced Operant Conditioning which is a learning method that employs rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence (whether negative or positive) for that behavior. Useful when incorporating gamification into learning designs. Students may get points or badges for doing well in a task/game. -
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Humanistic Learning Theories
Humanistic learning considers the entire student. This includes aspects of intellect and emotion. The most prevalent names in this approach include:
- Carl Rogers
-Abraham Maslow This is useful to designers as it would help us in understanding the learners needs(motivations) based on their demographic features or life context. -
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Cognitivism
Jean Piaget theory of cognitive development was published. He believed that learners actively construct their knowledge through environmental interaction and through stages of development. Jerome Bruner added to this development by adding emphasis on the importance of social interaction on cognitive development. This theory allows us to create an engaging and relevant learning environment. -
Social Cognitive Theory (Bendura)
Social cognitive theory emphasizes that people are not passive recipients of their environment, but active participants who both shape and are shaped by it. It expands on social learning by incorporating cognitive factors like judgment and motivation.
Famous Bobo Doll Experiments
This allows designers to utilize the class's whole knowledge to build and develop context. -
Situated Learning Theory
Forms part of constructivism that was developed by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger. The main belief of this theory is that learning is a social process and requires authentic contexts with COP. The aim is for individuals to move from the edge of the knowledge community to the a central participation role.
Situated Learning Theory
This let's us develop for mastery. -
Heutagogy
The term was created in 2000 by Chris Kenyon. Heutagogy is a learner-centered and self-determined type of learning. The learner is seen as autonomous and empowers learners to take full control of their needs, goals and methods of learning. This is relevant to me because I believe I am a lifelong learner and that I have used this theory to develop myself. -
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Connectivism
Developed by George Siemens and Stephen Downes, Connectivism focuses on the skill of being able to locate knowledge through technology and to be able to contribute to a network of information in a valuable way. This is useful because it allows us to consider 21st century skills when designing learning. We use it in our course too! If we need information or to connect with fellow students.