Running Head: LEARNING THEORY

Learning Theory Beth Atkins Salem College

LEARNING THEORY Learning Theory

Learning is important to human development and happens in every day actions. There are many different ways people can learn depending on what works best for them. Not everyone learns at the same pace or with the same style. According to Schunk (2012) there are three criteria for learning: learning involves change, learning endures over time, and learning occurs through experience. Schunk (2012) states that learning represents an enduring change in behavior or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or other experiences (p. 27). This statement includes all three criteria that he states is required for learning. This paper will analyze and discuss how learning occurs, the factors that influence learning, the role of memory in learning, the role of motivation in learning, the implications of instruction on learning, and ways to assess learning. How does learning occur? Learning occurs differently in every person. There are different theories as to how learning occurs in an individual. Behavioral theories interpret learning as a change in the rate, frequency of occurrence, or form of behavior or response, which occurs primarily as a function of environmental factors (Schunk, 2012, p. 21). These theories state that learning in cludes the development of associations between stimuli and responses (Schunk, 2012). This goes back to Skinners reinforcement theory and ho reinforcing a certain behavior or response will eventually elicit the same response time after time. Behaviorists take into consideration what is called a developmental status which is what the individual is capable of doing given his or her level of development (Schunk, 20120, p. 22). So if a child is developmentally delayed then they are not

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performing mentally at the capacity they should or would for their age group which could hinder them educationally. Cognitive theories focus on the acquisition of knowledge and skills, the formation of mental structures, and the processing of information and beliefs (Schunk, 2012, p. 22). Cognitive theorists believe that learning happens from within due to a mental phenomenon that occurs when people do or say things (Schunk, 2012). There are certain processes that information has to go through in order to be learned. The mental processing of information includes: construction, acquisition, organization, coding, rehearsal, memory storage, and the retrieval and no retrieval of information (Schunk, 2012). Theorists stress the importance of what students do with the information that they receive such as rehearsing, transforming, coding, storing, and retrieving (Schunk, 2012). What factors influence learning? Influences on learning can be from social, personal, and educational aspects of ones life. A student must be motivated to learn in order for learning to occur. According to Jim Flowers (2006) the most important factors that influence learning are clarity, task orientation, student opportunity, variety, and teacher enthusiasm. Clarity is always important because if the information is not presented clearly to the learner then they wont understand which could hold them back. There are some threats to clarity such as ambiguous language, jargon, obstructions to the sight, and slurred speech (Flowers, 2006). Task orientation is about keeping the students on task and not drawing their attention away from what they should be doing (Flowers, 2006).

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Interruptions could throw some students off of their train of thought. Student opportunity is where people should have the opportunity to participate with the material (Flowers, 2006). This relates back to students being actively involved in their own learning process which will help them retain information better. Variety is about incorporating different learning styles in order to reach everyone in the classroom (Flowers, 2006). Some people are visual learners, audial learners, and active learners. Teacher enthusiasm seems to me that it would be very important. If the teacher is not enthusiastic about what they are teaching then the student will pick up on that and think that they do not need to be interested in it as well (Flowers, 2006). Having an energetic and enthusiastic teacher can make a difference in the classroom. Flowers has made some really good points when it comes to the key factors of influence on learning. What is the role of memory? Memory is vital for learning to occur. How information is learned determines how it is stored and retrieved from ones memory (Schunk, 2012). Information processing theories associate learning with encoding and storing information into the memory in an organized manner (Schunk, 2012). Information is recovered from memory due to certain clues that trigger the right memory structures (Schunk, 2012). Cognitive theories stress how important it is for material to be presented in a manner that the learners can organize it, relate it to what they know, and remember it in a meaningful way (Schunk, 2012, p. 23). This makes me think of acronyms that are used for people to remember certain things such as PEMDAS that I learned in math class. Please excuse my dear aunt sally was a phrase used when doing the order of operations so that you would not forget what order you were supposed to go in.

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When someone forgets something that they have once learned it is due to interference, memory loss, or inadequate cues (Schunk, 2012). There could have been interference during the learning process that made it impossible for the information to be encoded into the memory. Memory loss could be due to a lot of things such as a brain injury or not using that particular information for a long period of time. Inadequate cues could be sent to the brain that makes that information inaccessible at the moment until the right cues are noticed. Without memory we would not learn anything because we would not be able to retain the information. What is the role of motivation? Motivation can come in many different ways. Behavioral theories define motivation as an increased rate or probability of occurrence of behavior which results in repeating behaviors (Schunk, 2012, p. 23). Students will display motivated behavior if they were previously reinforced for it (Schunk, 2012). This relates back to Skinners positive reinforcement because the more praise or reward one gets for acting a certain way will usually cause an increase in that particular behavior. Cognitive theories view motivation and learning as related to one another and emphasize that motivation can assist in direct attention and impact on how information is processed (Schunk, 2012). Although just because someone is motivated does not necessarily mean that they can learn (Schunk, 2012). Things that motivate students are: goals, social comparisons, self-efficacy, values, and interested (Schunk, 2012). Motivation can come in the form of rewards especially with parents when it comes to report card time but with teachers as well. Teachers and parents should be involved in motivating children to learn and learn ways to keep them motivated.

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I personally think that parents and their home life can have a huge impact on a students educational experience. If a student goes home to a parent who has no interest in their education or if they could care less if the student does their homework or not can sometimes influence those students to not work hard or take a personal interest in their own education. Then again it could work the opposite way and make that student work even harder. In my personal experience my mother or father did not graduate from high school so that influenced me to make it my goal to do well in school and go onto college. I have to say that motivation has taken me far. What are the implications of instruction on learning? Instructions and teaching and how they are relayed is important when it comes to learning. Behavioral theories emphasize the forming of associations between stimuli and responses through selective reinforcement of correct responding such as multiplication and state capitals (Schunk, 2012, p. 25). Cognitive theories explain learning with factors as information processing, memory networks, student perceptions, and interpretations of classroom factors (Schunk, 2012, p. 25). Cognitive theories are related with complex forms of learning such as math word problems and writing essays (Schunk, 2012). According to Schunk (2012) effective teaching requires one to determine the best theoretical perspectives for the different types of learning (p. 25). I have to say that I agree with this statement. I think it is important for teachers to be aware of how their students learn so that they can plan their curriculum accordingly. Some students prefer taking notes while other prefer watching or doing themselves.

LEARNING THEORY What are some ways to assess learning? Assessing learning has been incorporated in schools for a very long time. According to

Popham (2008) assessment involves a formal attempt to determine students status with respect to educational variables of interest (Schunk, 2012, p. 14). There are many ways to assess learning such as direct observations, written responses, oral responses, ratings by others, and self-reports (Schunk, 2012). Direct observations are where the learning is being directly observed such as in a science lab (Schunk, 2012). Written responses are in the forms of tests, quizzes, papers, and projects which is commonly used in the classroom (Schunk, 2012). Oral responses are in the forms of comments and group discussions (Schunk, 2012). Ratings by others is done by observation from teachers, parents, school counselors, and researchers (Schunk, 2012). Selfreports are personal assessments of how one is doing in a particular area and can be done by questionnaires or interviews (Schunk, 2012). Teachers assess students learning everyday with grades. This determines for students whether or not they pass or fail or get into college. Conclusion Learning theories provide backgrounds as a tool for understanding educational practice (Schunk, 2012). These theories and studies emphasis how individuals acquire and modify their knowledge, skills, strategies, beliefs, and behaviors (Schunk, 2012, p. 27). Learning styles should be developed and made aware by the student which is important in the success of the student (Kazu, 20096). Discrepancies in teachers teaching styles and students learning styles have been noted to be possible learning obstacles in the classroom which can be detrimental for the student and is a good reason for one to use a variety of teaching styles (Romanelli, Bird &

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Ryan, 2009). Teachers and counselors should be aware of learning theories and how to accommodate the childrens learning styles for the students to be more effective in school.

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References

Flowers, J. (2006). Factors that Influence Learning. Ball State University. Retrieved from http://jcflowers1.iweb.bsu.edu/rlo/factorslearning.htm

Kazu, I. Y. (2009). The effect of learning styles on education and the teaching process. Journal of Social Sciences, 5(2), 85-94. Retrieved from http://salem.learninghouse.com/file.php/4/Effect_of_Learnng_Style_on_Education.pdf

Romanelli, F., Bird, E., & Ryan, M. (2009, February). Learning Styles: A Review of Theory, Application, and Best Practices. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education , 73(1), 1-5. Retrieved from http://salem.learninghouse.com/file.php/4/LearningStyle_AReviewofTheory. pdf

Schunk, D.H. (Sixth Ed.). (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc