Learning Theories

Question 1

Behaviorist (Conductual)

Answer 1

theorists - Pavlov, Watson, Skinner

learning process - change in behavior

locus of learning - stimuli in external environment

purpose in education - produce behavior change in desired direction

teacher’s role - arranges environment to elicit desired response

Question 2

Cognitivist (Cognoscitivo)

Answer 2

theorists - Piaget, Brunner, Gagne

learning process - internal mental process (including insight, information processing, memory and perception)

locus of learning - internal cognitive structuring

purpose in education - develop capacity and skills to learn better

teacher’s role - structures content of learning activity

Question 3

Humanist (Humanista)

Answer 3

theorists - Maslow

learning process - a personal act to fulfill potential

locus of learning - affective and cognitive needs

purpose in education - become self-actualized, autonomous

teacher’s role - facilitates development of the whole person

Question 4

Social and Situational

Answer 4

theorists - Bandura

learning process - interaction, observation in social contexts; movement from the periphery to the center of a community of practice

locus of learning - learning is in relationship between people and environment

purpose in education - full participation in communities of practice and utilization of resources

teacher’s role - works to establish communities of practice in which conversation and participation occur