INDOOR SEMINAR

TAGGED:

PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING; HOW DO PUPILS AND

STUDENTS LEARN?

BY

AMOS, Kamji Peter

SATURDAY 30TH SEPT, 2023

AT
THE MORALS ACADEMY, GRACELAND ZARIA
 INTRODUCTION
What if Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. It

seeks to understand and explain how individuals think, feel, and act in
various situations. Psychologists explore a wide range of topics,
including cognitive processes, emotions, social interactions,
development across the lifespan, mental health, and more. They use
research methods and theories to gain insights into human behavior,
helping to address practical issues and improve the well-being of
individuals and society as a whole. Psychology encompasses various
subfields and approaches, making it a diverse and dynamic field of
study.
What is Psychology of Learning?

The psychology of learning is a field that

explores how individuals acquire new
knowledge, skills, and behaviors. It
encompasses various theories and principles
that help us understand the processes involved
in learning which includes:
BEHAVIORISM: This early school of thought focuses on
observable behaviors. It suggests that learning occurs through
reinforcement and punishment. For example, if a behavior is
rewarded, it's more likely to be repeated.

COGNITIVE LEARNING: Cognitive psychologists, such as

Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura, emphasize mental processes in
learning. They argue that individuals actively process
information, make sense of it, and adapt their behavior
accordingly. Observational learning, where people learn by
watching others, is a significant aspect of this.
INFORMATION PROCESSING: This theory likens the
human mind to a computer, with input (information), processing
(thinking and analyzing), and output (behavior or knowledge).
Learning involves encoding, storage, and retrieval of
information.

CONSTRUCTIVISM: This perspective, often associated with

theorists like Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner, suggests that
individuals construct their knowledge through experiences and
interactions with the world. Learning is seen as an active, social
process.
CONNECTIONISM: This theory focuses on the neural
connections in the brain. It suggests that learning occurs as
these connections strengthen or weaken based on
experience and repetition. Neural networks adapt to store
and retrieve information.

OPERANT CONDITIONING: this theory emphasize on

rewards and punishments to shape behavior. Positive
reinforcement (rewarding desired behavior) and negative
reinforcement (removing an aversive stimulus) play key
roles.
CLASSICAL CONDITIONING: This theory, proposed
by Ivan Pavlov, explains how a neutral stimulus can
become associated with a natural, reflexive response. For
instance, a bell ringing (neutral) can make a dog salivate
(natural response) if consistently paired with food.

MOTIVATION: Learning is influenced by an individual's

motivation and goals. Intrinsic motivation (internal drive)
and extrinsic motivation (external rewards) can impact the
learning process.
MEMORY: Understanding memory processes,
including encoding (input), storage (retention),
and retrieval (recalling information), is crucial
for effective learning.

TRANSFER OF LEARNING: This concept

explores how knowledge and skills learned in
one context can be applied to new, related
situations.
 HOW DO PUPILS AND STUDENTS LEARN?

Pupils and students learn based on principles from the

psychology of learning, which includes various
theories and concepts.

BEHAVIORISM: Behaviorism focuses on observable

behaviors. Students learn through reinforcement, where
positive outcomes or rewards strengthen desired
behaviors. For example, praising a pupil for a correct
answer can reinforce learning.
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: This approach
emphasizes mental processes. Students process
information, store it in memory, and retrieve it when
needed. Effective learning strategies include organizing
information.

CONSTRUCTIVISM: Learners actively build

knowledge by connecting new information to existing
mental structures. Teachers facilitate this process by
creating opportunities for exploration and discovery.
SOCIAL LEARNING: People learn from observing
others, known as social learning or observational
learning. This is especially relevant in educational
settings, where students can learn from both peers and
teachers.

MOTIVATION: Psychology of learning also considers

motivation. Intrinsic motivation, driven by personal
interest or curiosity, often leads to more effective and
lasting learning outcomes.
INFORMATION PROCESSING: Students process
information through sensory memory, working memory,
and long-term memory. Effective teaching strategies
consider the limitations of these memory systems.

ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT (ZPD):

This concept, identifies the range of tasks a student can
perform independently and those they can perform with
assistance. Effective teaching targets the ZPD to
promote growth.
FEEDBACK: Timely and constructive feedback is crucial for
learning. It helps students understand their progress and areas
for improvement.

TRANSFER OF LEARNING: Learners apply knowledge

and skills in new contexts. Teachers can help by making
connections between what's being learned and real-world
situations.

EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS: Emotional states

and the learning environment greatly influence learning
outcomes. Creating a positive and supportive classroom
atmosphere enhances learning.
METACOGNITION: Students benefit from
understanding their own thinking processes.
Teaching metacognitive strategies, such as self-
assessment and reflection, can improve learning.

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: Recognizing

that learners have diverse abilities, backgrounds,
and learning styles is essential. Differentiated
instruction tailors teaching to individual needs.
Conclusion

In summary, the psychology of learning is a multidisciplinary

field that investigates how learners acquire new information
and adapt their behavior. Various theories and models provide
insights into the mechanisms and factors that influence the
learning process.

By applying these principles and considering the

psychological aspects of learning, educators can create
effective teaching strategies and environments that support
pupils and students in acquiring knowledge and skills.
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