Learning Theories

Question 1

Associationism

Answer 1

Theory that one’s ideas are connected to one’s experiences.

Question 2

David Hume

Answer 2

First theorist to describe associationism as a learning theory. Identified 3 principles of associationism: resemblance, contiguity, and causation.

Question 3

The two camps of associationism

Answer 3

Nativists and empiricists

Question 4

Albert Bandura

Answer 4

Proposed the social learning theory (later named social cognitive learning theory) after his famous Bobo doll experiment

Question 5

Social Cognitive Theory

Answer 5

Concept that children learn by observing others. Four Elements: Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

Question 6

Edwin Hutchins

Answer 6

Developed the theory of distributed cognition while studying navigation on US navy ships.

Question 7

Distributed Cognition Theory

Answer 7

Theory that cognition is distributed among all individuals, objects, artifacts, and tools in an environment.

Question 8

Behaviorism

Answer 8

Theory that learning occurs through positive or negative reinforcement.

Question 9

B.F. Skinner

Answer 9

Influential theorist to the behaviorism learning theory. Developed the “Skinner box” for testing positive and negative reinforcement learning in animals.

Question 10

Ivan Pavlov

Answer 10

Russian physiologist who studied conditioned reflex theory, which eventually became the behaviorism learning theory.

Question 11

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 11

The idea of introducing a reinforcing stimulus following a specific behavior you would like to encourage.

Question 12

Instructivism

Answer 12

Theory that the teacher is solely in charge of what is to be learned and how it is to be learned. Often seen as a teacher-centered learning environment.

Question 13

George Siemens

Answer 13

Developed the theory of connectivism. Used the theory to explain how the Internet has created new opportunities for people to learn and share information.

Question 14

Connectivism

Answer 14

A framework for understanding learning in the digital age. States that learning happens across and within networks, not just the individual.

Question 15

Constructivism

Answer 15

Theory that individuals construct and develop their own knowledge based on their experiences.

Question 16

Lev Vygotsky

Answer 16

His theories stressed the fundamental role of social interaction on cognitive development.

Question 17

Zone of Proximal Development

Answer 17

Developed by Vygotsky. The zone of proximal development measures the difference between what a student can do by themselves, what they can do with the guidance of someone, and what they cannot do yet even with guidance. The zone of proximal development is what a learner can do with guidance.

Question 18

Jean Piaget

Answer 18

Developed a theory of cognitive development that stated that intelligence changes as children grow. Piaget’s four stages are: Sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage.

Question 19

Situated Learning Theory

Answer 19

Theory that students are more inclined to learn by actively participating in the learning experience.

Question 20

Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger

Answer 20

Developed the situated learning theory.

Question 21

Malcolm Knowles

Answer 21

Developed the adult learning theory

Question 22

Adult Learning Theory

Answer 22

Theory based around how adults learn. Believes that adult learning is best accomplished when learners are given an understanding of why they are learning something, as well as lots of practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Question 23

Five Assumptions of Adult Learners

Answer 23

1. Self-concept; 2. Experience; 3. Readiness to learn; 4. Orientation to learning; 5. Motivation to Learn