The Learning Theory

An important concept we investigated during this course is the learning theory. It tries to explain how learning occurs suggesting that the concept of learning falls into three general categories: behaviourism, cognitive and constructivism (1).

Behaviourism suggests learning is the acquisition of new behaviour through conditioning. The theory rests on three basic assumptions. First, learning is manifested by a change in behaviour. Second, the environment shapes behaviour. And third, the principles of reinforcement are central to explaining the learning process (2).

Cognitivists understand learning in terms of mental processing. The theory is built on two key assumptions which underlie this cognitive approach: 1 - that the memory system is an active organised processor of information and 2 - that prior knowledge plays an important role in learning. Cognitive theories look beyond behaviour to explain brain-based learning by considering how human memory works to promote learning (3).

Constructivists believe that learners construct their own reality or at least interpret it based upon their perceptions of experiences, so an individual's knowledge is a function of one's prior experiences, mental structures, and beliefs that are used to interpret objects and events. The teacher acts as a facilitator who encourages students to discover principles for themselves and to construct knowledge by working to solve realistic problems (1).

A more contemporary approach to these learning theories developed by George Siemens is Connectivism. Based on his analysis of the limitations of behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism in today's current environment, Connectivism is a learning theory developed for the digital age. The approach defines learning in terms of the effect technology has had on the way we live, how we communicate, and how we learn. A key premise of the theory is that technology gives us the ability to connect specialised information sets and these connections can be used to build knowledge (4).

In learning contexts, each theory offers teachers different approaches to how they should construct their teaching methods based on the different perspectives of learning. For example, those who teach using the principles of behaviourism might use reinforcement to promote learning through repetition while those teaching under the connectivism approach might utilise the communication facilities offered through the use of ICT's such as the internet to build students' knowledge networks. In this respect, the type of learning theory educators assume to be true will, in turn, influence their teaching styles and therefore affect students' learning outcomes.

Considering the characteristics of modern students and their preferred learning experiences in today's educational institutions I would probably be inclined towards developing lessons using a connectivism approach to learning. However, as a learning manager I believe it is important to understand the implications that constructing educational scenarios using the principles of any one single approach may have on segregating group learning styles and privileging some students above others.

References
1)A brief overview of the Learning Theory, online http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=18262
2)http://www.stanford.edu/dept/SUSE/projects/ireport/articles/general/Educational%20Theories%20Summary.pdf
3)http://nechodimnaprednasky.sk/prednaska_nahlad/4783
4)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_technology

REFLECTIONS
Which learning theory do you perceive as being the most accurate in terms of explaining how learning occurs? Why?