Training and development

Question 1

Behaviourist theories

Answer 1

behaviours are changed using reward and punishment. experiments with animals formed the basis ie skinner, pavlov, watson, sought to associate rewards with certain behaviours in order to increase the display of behaviour.

manipulative, simplistic, limited, producing temporary changes in behaviour

Question 2

cognitive theories

Answer 2

learning results from information processing in the learners head. technical perspective that maps out the stages.

assumes learners have control over their learning and identifies feedback as important

but neglects emotion, assumes learning is neutral and unproblematic

Question 3

social learning theories

Answer 3

learning is a social activity based on our human needs to fit in with others. dress codes, behaviour in meetings
organisations use role models, mentors, and peer support to intensify our will to fit in.

ignores role of choice for the individual

Question 4

constructivist theories

Answer 4

meaning structures in our heads based on experience and personality - development of the information processing theory but does not consider learning as a natural process
learning is personal and potentially threatening - we develop mechanisms to protect ourselves and thus protect from learning.
hence learning support needs to be encouraged

Question 5

insights from neuroscience

Answer 5

growing area of interest
key insights suggest that

learning more effective when emotionally engaged
exercise useful
stimulating online and physical environments
we can learn anytime in our lives
brain needs time to reflect on learning
brain can react by freezing in reaction to fear i.e change