Learning Theories

CAITLIN TUCKER, BSN, RN MSN-STUDENT

 What is learning? Who is
involved?
Learning is an enduring change in behavior, or in the
capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from
practice or other forms of experience (Schunk, 2012).

Involves the teacher and student, AND their personal

attributes, learning environment, content and teaching
strategies.
Theories of Learning
Major theories include:
Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Social Cognitivism
Humanism
Constructivism
Brain-based Learning
Behaviorism
Defines learning as change in a behavior that is
shaped by interaction with external environment.

Example: Pavlov presented a dog with a piece of

meat which resulted in salivation. He also had a
metronome heard ticking the background. Eventually
the dog would salivate with just the stimulus of the
metronome ticking.
Cognitivism
Theory that learning is an internal process.
Different from behavioral learning in that leaning is
not a change in behavior but a change in mental
structures.
Environment is not a factor in learning.

Example: memorization.
Social Cognitivism
In addition to internal processes, social processes
play a role in learning.
Learning involves social interactions, culture and
language.

Example: demonstration with return demonstration.

Humanism
Theory that people intentionally act based upon their
perceived needs.
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs.

Example: providing resources for learning and

encouragement.
Constructivism
Defines learning as an internal process built upon
previous learning.
Learning is constructed through experience and
reflection.

Example: children create knowledge based on

practice; four stages of growth.
Brain-based Learning
Cognitive neuroscience proves actual neural processes
of learning. This theory says that teaching methods
should focus upon how the brain itself learns.
Learning creates an increase in signals which increases
cellular density and connections between synapses.

Example: have students read content a week before

the class.
Group Learning Project
Break up into 4 groups of equal size.
Use the next 20 minutes to research an assigned learning theory.
Group 1: Cognitivism
Group 2: Behaviorism
Group 3: Constructivism
Group 4: Brain-based Learning
Research your book and online to find 2 examples of teaching
methods and strategies relating to your theory. Give details on how
to utilize these teaching strategies with students in an online
teaching environment.
Choose a group leader who will present. You will give a 3-4 minute
oral presentation on your assigned learning theory.