¶ … Learning Theories and Models
One of the earliest types of learning theory is that of behaviorist theory, made famous by theorists such as B.F. Skinner. Although Skinner formalized the principles of behaviorism down to a science, at its core behaviorism is based upon simple 'carrot and stick' theory learning, namely that students are punished when they are incorrect and rewarded when they produce the desired response -- or in the workplace where workers are docked pay when they are late and rewarded with a bonus if they sell more widgets.
Cognitive theories of learning, as the name suggests, are based in the belief that "knowledge is actively constructed by learners and that any account of knowledge makes essential references to cognitive structures" (Behaviorism, 2011, Teaching guide for graduate instructors). Skinner used schedules of reinforcement in the form of operant conditioning to train animals to run mazes and push buttons by rewarding them with food for the correct response (positive reinforcement) and/or reinforcing negative behaviors with an unpleasant stimulus such as the absence of food. Reinforcement may be consistent (given every time the behavior is exhibited) or inconsistent (given occasionally when the desired response is offered by the subject). In some instances, behaviors similar to the eventual desired response may be praised and rewarded, to shape the behaviors of the subject (usually this is done with more complex skills).
Of course, in the classroom, teachers cannot give the students candy every time a math problem is completed correctly or the students sit at their desks in silence. However, many behaviorist principles are still evident in the classroom. "Behaviorist teaching methods tend to rely on so-called 'skill and drill; exercises to provide the consistent repetition necessary for effective reinforcement of response patterns. Other methods include question (stimulus) and answer (response) frameworks in which...
Learning Theories to Current Education In psychology and education, learning is normally described as a process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and influences of the environment being experienced for obtaining, enhancing, or enacting changes in an individual knowledge, values, skills, and views of the world. Learning as a process put their center of attention on what takes place during learning. Explanations of what takes place forms learning theories. A learning theory
Learning Theories Classical Conditioning Classical conditioning is the process of linking an unconditioned stimulus to a conditioned stimulus. The famous classical conditioning experiment by Pavlov resulted in a dog beginning to salivate whenever a bell was rung. This was achieved by ringing the bell every time food was brought for the dog, thus the dog was conditioned to associate the sound of the bell with food. Since food naturally elicits salivation in
This idea of guidance is important; children need the framework and support to expand their ZPD. Since the ZPD defines the skills and abilities that children are in the process of developing, there is also a range of development that we might call a "stretch goal"(Mooney). For Vygotsky, supplying the child with a combination of theoretical and empirical learning methods is a more robust way to ensure cognition. This leads
It documented the preceding era's educational beliefs and styles in the field of mathematics and the results from implementing those beliefs on a wide scale. The study sought to organize three themes including; "broad sociopolitical forces, particularly highly publicized educational policy statements; trends in mathematics research and theories of learning and instruction" (Mathematics, 2004, pg. 16). These themes, in particular, were focused on the effect (or lack thereof) they had
A dog hits a lever when it sees a light that signifies that it will be shocked. A person takes medicine before having certain foods that he or she knows will cause a stomachache (Sidman, 2006, p. 136). Above, the differences between operant and classical conditioning were noted. However, sometimes the distinction is blurred. In biofeedback, for instance, psychologists feed back information to the patients regarding their physiologic processes, which
Theoretical Analysis: Julian Rotter Social Learning Theory Including Locust ControlBackground: Historical OverviewJulian Rotter was born in 1916 in Brooklyn, New York as the third son of Jewish immigrant parents (Walker, 1991). Rotter�s father had a successful business that was negatively impacted by the great depression. It was due to the great depression that Rotter became aware of social injustice and the impact of the situation environment on individuals. Rotter�s interest
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