MED 714: ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION

TOPIC: EDUCATIONAL LEARNING THEORIES

Kirikarama Leonard Akunobere Bush 202 – 850
Kassiano
Introduction
Some teachers provide opportunities for the progression of children’s
learning without fully understanding the theory behind it. With greater
insight about what is currently known about the process of learning and
about individual learners, teachers are better equipped to provide
experiences and situations that are more likely to lead to effective
acquisition of knowledge, concepts and skills (Pritchard, 2017).
What is a Learning theory?
Educational learning theories are frameworks that describe how students
absorb, process, and retain knowledge (Harasim, 2017).
Educational Learning theories
Some key theories include:
1. Behaviorism: Behaviorism learning theory, founded by psychologist B.F.
Skinner, focuses on observable behaviors and conditioning (Zhou and
Brown, 2015). Key points include:
 Learning is seen as a change in behavior due to experience.
 Behavior is influenced by the environment through reinforcement and
punishment (Pritchard, 2017).
 Classical conditioning (Pavlov) and operant conditioning (Skinner) are
types of behaviorism.
 In operant conditioning, behavior is shaped by consequences such as
reinforcement or punishment (Zhou and Brown, 2015).
 Behaviorists emphasize the role of stimuli and responses in learning.
This theory has been influential in education, therapy, and many other
fields due to its focus on observable behaviors and the idea that behavior
can be learned and unlearned through conditioning (Zhou and Brown,
2015).
2. Cognitivism: Cognitive learning theory focuses on how mental processes,
such as thinking, memory, problem-solving, and language, influence
learning. This theory suggests that learning occurs through the internal
processing of information, leading to the development of understanding and
knowledge (Pritchard, 2017). Key figures associated with cognitive learning
theory include Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Cognitive learning theory
emphasizes the active role of the learner in constructing knowledge and
understanding, as well as the importance of factors such as attention,
perception, and motivation in the learning process (Pritchard, 2017).
Students are viewed as active participants in constructing their
understanding.
3. Constructivism: Constructivism learning theory, developed by Seymour
Papert, focuses on the idea that individuals learn best when they are
actively engaged in constructing something meaningful (Bada and Olusegun,
2015). Key points include:
 Learning is most effective when individuals are actively involved in
creating tangible objects or artifacts.
 The process of creating something can lead to a deeper understanding of
the subject matter.
 Constructivism emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning over passive
reception of information.
 Collaboration and social interaction play a crucial role in the learning
process.
 Technology can be a powerful tool for facilitating constructionist learning
experiences.
Overall, constructivism encourages learners to explore, experiment, and
construct their knowledge in meaningful ways (Bada and Olusegun, 2015).
4. Humanism: Humanism learning theory focuses on the potential of
humans to grow and develop in a positive direction. Key principles include:
 Focus on the individual: Humanism emphasizes the unique qualities
and potential of each individual, promoting self-directed learning and
personal growth (Johnson, 2014).
 Learner-centered approach: Learning is viewed as a personal journey of
self-discovery and self-improvement, with the learner empowered to take
control of their education (Javadi and Tahmasbi, 2020).
 Importance of emotions and relationships: Humanism recognizes the
significance of emotions, relationships, and personal experiences in the
learning process, valuing empathy and understanding (Frias, 2019).
 Holistic development: Learning is seen as an integrated process that
involves not only cognitive development but also emotional, social, and
physical growth (Javadi and Tahmasbi, 2020).
 Intrinsic motivation: Humanism advocates for learning that is driven by
internal motivation, curiosity, and the desire for personal fulfillment,
rather than external rewards (Johnson, 2014).
5. Connectivism: Connectivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the
idea that learning and knowledge are distributed across networks of
connections (Goldie, 2016). Some key points about connectivism include:
 Learning occurs through connections made with others and technology.
 Knowledge is constantly evolving and changing, rather than being fixed.
 The ability to navigate and make sense of these networks is a crucial
skill.
 Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information
sources.
 Connectivism acknowledges the role of technology in facilitating learning
in today's digital age (Goldie, 2016).
These are just a few key points about the connectivism learning theory.
6. Socio-cultural theory: Socio-cultural learning theory, also known as
social learning theory, emphasizes the role of social interactions and
cultural context in the development of knowledge and skills (Rahmatirad,
2020). Here are some brief notes on socio-cultural learning theory:
 Developed by Lev Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist, the theory suggests
that learning takes place through interactions with others, who provide
assistance and support (Rahmatirad, 2020).
 Vygotsky believed that cognitive development is shaped by social
interactions and the cultural environment in which an individual is
raised.
 The concept of the "zone of proximal development" (ZPD) is central to
socio-cultural learning theory. This zone represents the gap between
what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with the
help of a more knowledgeable other (Watkins et al., 2015).
 Language plays a crucial role in socio-cultural learning, serving as a tool
for communication, problem-solving, and the internalization of
knowledge.
 Collaborative learning, where learners work together to solve problems
and share knowledge, is a key instructional strategy that aligns with
socio-cultural learning theory (Watkins et al., 2015).
 The theory highlights the importance of providing meaningful contexts
and authentic tasks for learning, as well as offering scaffolding and
support to help learners reach higher levels of understanding.
Socio-cultural learning theory continues to influence educational practices
and approaches to teaching and learning today.
Conclusion
These theories help educators design effective teaching strategies and
environments that support diverse learners. By understanding how students
learn best, teachers can tailor instruction to meet individual needs and
promote deep understanding.

References
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