Task 2

Theories of learning refer to general learning principles which have derived from
research by education psychologists. The learning theories helps a teacher to understand
concisely how pupil learn and then use these learning theories to relate with teaching
method and techniques to guide them to achieve effective learning result. Learning theories
can be classified into five main theoretical perspective namely behavioural perspective,
cognitive perspective, social perspective, humanistic perspective and also social
constructivism.
First lets see how behaviourism theory helps in the learning process. Behaviourism
founded by John B. Watson and this emphasises the study of observable, measureable
behaviours. Based on his view drilling, reinforcement and giving rewards are the main
component which is being focused in this theory. Learners are essentially viewed as passive
and it will be a teacher centred lesson.
In my opinion, I think that teachers in school are conducting lesson based on this
behaviourism theory. We can see this, when teacher give lots of exercises as a homework
at the end of each lesson and this is some sort of drilling for the student to enhance their
understanding on the topic that they had learned. According to Albert Bandura (1965),
behaviours that have positive consequences tend to increase, while behaviours that have
negative consequences tend to decrease. I agree with his view on this theory because
teachers also give rewards to the student if they were able to remember what they had learnt
in the class as a positive reinforcement for the student to gain interest in their learning.
Although this theory focuses on the drilling and rewards, I think that lesson based on this
theory is not encourage able because the lesson depends only on teacher and there is no
two ways of interaction in a lesson.
On the other hand, cognitive theory emphasizes the important of thinking process in
human development and behaviour. The main focus of cognitive learning approach is on
making knowledge meaningful and helping learners to organize and relate new information
to prior knowledge in memory.
According to Lev Vygotsky (1960) the cognitive theories emphasize on the
individuals active construction of understanding. In my opinion, I agree with his view
because it assists a positive view of development and emphasizing conscious thinking. For
example teacher often organizes language games as well as board games such as scrabble
which helps the student to think critically and creatively in order to come up with a new word
in English. This will help them to gain lots of vocabulary in English which can help the
student in their speaking and writing skills. I also think that lesson based on this theory

should be carry out often because it stimulated students thinking and help them to think
critically and creatively to solve problem. In addition, this type of lesson will not only help
them to solve any problem in group discussion but it triggers them to come up with good
ideas.
According to Von Glaserfeld (1991) the concept of constructivism is based on the
knowledge which can be formed by individuals who take their own initiatives. The process of
knowledge formation is the result of individuals experiences. This constructivism theory also
helps the students to learn the content by building it themselves. Teacher also played a vital
role in implementing this theory because they are responsible to create and active
environment and provides stimulation and asks question.
I as a future English teacher felt that lesson based on this theory is very effective
because it focuses on the collaborative learning. Bender (1995) stated that learning through
mirroring the collaboration of real world problem solving, helps the student to handle a real
life situation. Collaborative learning will provide opportunity for the students to brainstorm
their idea among their classmates. They will compete among the other groups to come up
with good and strong ideas. From these activities students are encouraged to come to their
own conclusion and will make them to connect their past experiences to the current
situation. This also will make them as adaptive learner. Students should be able to apply
what they had learnt in school to the various situations in real-life.
Next lets discuss about humanism theory in the teaching and learning process.The
approach assumes that every person is unique and that psychology should focus on the
subjective feelings and thoughts of the person. Research conducted by humanistic
psychologist has proved that human learning depends on their individual emotional and
feeling. Thus, teaching and learning strategy should be organised based on the individual
needs and emotional development.
According to Carl Rogers (1961) humanism theory is called person-centred therapy
where the therapist seeks to provide empathy, openness, and unconditional positive regard.
This can be observed through when the teacher assures that the pupils need is fulfilled
through the lesson. Student wont be stressed out but they would be feel pleasant happy
harmonious and secure to involve themselves in the learning activities. For example,
activities such as brainstorming section would make a shy and quite student to speak out
and this indirectly involve the student in learning process. The student would be happy
because she can feel that her teacher and her peers know her presents in the class.
Therefore it would provide opportunity to instil self motivation value.
Among all the theory, I felt that social constructivism theory contributes more on
teaching a lesson. It also helps in shaping future ESL teachers. This theory would help in
shaping an ESL teacher by making the teacher to construct a learning environment into a

setting of exploration and discovery. It will enhance the pupils interest and natural
participation in learning activities. Moreover, through this learning environment, pupil would
be able to explore their world and discover knowledge through their own effort. When the
students strive for the knowledge by their own it would help them to remember the lesson
very well. A research in UK (2000) shows that student remember 90% what they say and do
and 20% of what the teacher said. Although the lesson based on behaviourism theory
provides all the notes but in the end the student will just gain the 20% of the teacher said.
Therefore, to teach a subject like English language, this constructivism theory helps a
teacher to create class room which is learner-centred not teacher-centred.
Moreover, this theory also provides an ESL teacher to use suitable teaching activity
which can guide pupils to use their perception to relate elements in surrounding. Teacher
would able to identify the suitable activity that provides opportunity for student to think
creatively as well as critically in order to come up with new ideas. In addition this theory
helps the teacher to create a suitable learning environment for the student to explore as well
as creating the lesson to be meaningful.
In conclusion, I also think that a meaningful lesson is consist of combination of all the
learning theories that stated above so that it would provide a fun, interesting and meaningful
lesson to the student. As a future teacher I will make sure that my lesson will be student
centered and allow my student to take an active participation in class so that from nothing
they would be able to gain something as well as show some interest in this English
language.