Human Learning

Teacher Training Course 2014

Academic Unit
IGA
What is learning ?
People understand learning
in many different ways.
Therefore there are many
theories, definitions, and
schools of thought on the
topic of learning.
We are going to study three
theories that are
predominant.
Behaviorism
It defines learning as a more or
less permanent change of
behavior or the acquisition of
behavior.
It focuses on observable
behavior, and discounts mental
activities.
New behavior is acquired
through repeated practice until
it is automatic.
The learner is viewed as
passively reacting/adapting to
his environment.



Branches of Behaviorism
Classical
Conditioning
Learning
consists of
the formation
of
associations
between
stimuli and
response.
Operant
Conditioning
Stimulus is de-
emphasized in
favor of the
consequence.
It occurs when
behavior is
reinforced.
Cognitivism
Knowledge is viewed as mental
constructs in the learners mind.
Changes in behavior are
observed but as indicators of
what is going on in the learners
mind.
Mental processes that are
activated and changed during
the course of learning are the
main focus.
Learner is passive in his
interpretation of reality. He is
active in his decision to practice
the new behavior.

Cognitive Theories: Meaningful
Learning
Learning takes place through the
process of relating new items to
already existing knowledge.

Meaningful learning: relating and
anchoring new material to
relevant established knowledge.
Cognitive Theories: Cognitive
Development
Children go through the
process of becoming a
mature learner.
Cognitive ability increases
in sophistication with
development.
They move from innate
reflexes to complex mental
activities.
Constructivism
Learning occurs by reflecting on our
experiences and our current past
experiences to build understanding of
reality.
Knowledge is constructed internally by
each individual.
No knowledge can be transferred intact
from one individual to other.
Learning is a social activity. Sharing and
interacting are crucial.
Motivation is a key component.
The learner is more active, constantly
building and restructuring his schema to
make sense of the world.

Experiential Learning
It stems from constructivism
Learning occurs when one reflects on
experiences
Reflection is systematic and rigorous
Description of experience is robust
and focuses on details of it
Interpretation of experience is aimed
at explaining why learning occurred
or not
Generalization is to make theories as
to what helps or hinders learning
Planned actions are established to
shape new experience