INSTRUCTIONAL TECH
LECTURE NOTES
LEARNING THEORIES
Learning theories are frameworks that explain how people acquire, process, and retain
knowledge or skills. They help educators, psychologists, and trainers understand how
learning occurs and how to support it best. Each theory offers a different perspective on what
influences learning—whether it's behaviour, thinking, environment, or social interaction.
MAIN TYPES OF LEARNING THEORIES:
1. Behaviourism
Key Idea: Learning is a behaviour change caused by external stimuli (rewards or
punishments).
Major Thinkers: B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, John Watson
Example: A student studies hard because they get praised or rewarded with good grades.
Classroom Use: Repetition, drills, rewards (like stars, certificates), and punishments.
2. Cognitivism
Key Idea: Learning happens through mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-
solving.
Major Thinkers: Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner
Example: A student uses a mind map to understand complex topics.
Classroom Use: Focus on organising information, using visual aids, and encouraging
reflection.
3. Constructivism
Key Idea: Learners build (or "construct") knowledge through experiences and reflection.
Major Thinkers: Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky
Example: Students working in groups to solve real-world problems.
Classroom Use: Group work, hands-on learning, exploration, and student-led activities.
4. Social Learning Theory
Key Idea: People learn by observing others (modelling), imitation, and social interaction.
Major Thinker: Albert Bandura
Example: A child learns how to behave in school by watching the teacher or peers.
Classroom Use: Role models, peer tutoring, and group collaboration.
5. Humanistic Learning Theory
Key Idea: Learning is personal and self-directed; it must consider the whole person
(emotionally, mentally, socially).
Major Thinkers: Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers
Example: A student learns best when they feel safe, valued, and respected.
Classroom Use: Student choice, supportive environment, encouragement of self-expression.
6. Connectivism (Modern Theory)
Key Idea: Learning is a process of connecting specialised nodes or information sources,
especially in the digital age.
Major Thinker: George Siemens
Example: Learning through online networks, social media, and digital tools.
Classroom Use: Online forums, digital collaboration, networked learning.
Summary Table
Theory Focus Area Learning Mechanism Example in Class
Reinforcement & Rewards for good
Behaviorism Behavior
punishment behaviour
Cognitivism Mental processes Organising & storing info Concept maps, mnemonics
Constructivism Experience Active learning Hands-on projects
Social Theory Observation Modeling others Peer learning
Humanistic Self & emotions Motivation & self-growth Student-centered learning
Digital
Connectivism Information sharing Online discussion boards
networking
Great! Here's how learning theories apply in different educational settings — whether
you're a university student, a business trainer, or working in early childhood education:
🎓 1. University Teaching
Learning
How It's Applied in University Settings
Theory
Lecturers use grades, attendance points, or punishments to reinforce participation
Behaviorism
and assignment submission.
Students are taught to use note-taking systems, concept mapping, or critical
Cognitivism
thinking strategies to improve understanding.
Group discussions, case studies, and research projects allow students to construct
Constructivism
meaning through inquiry.
Peer presentations, group projects, and mentorship programs help students learn by
Social Learning
observing and interacting with others.
Universities promote self-directed learning, well-being centres, and inclusive
Humanistic
learning environments.
Online platforms (like Moodle, Coursera) and collaborative tools (e.g., Google
Connectivism
Docs) support knowledge sharing and networking.
👩💼 2. Business Training & Workplace Learning
Learning
Application in the Workplace
Theory
Rewards (bonuses) or warnings are used to reinforce productivity or training
Behaviorism
completion.
Employees attend workshops with structured content, PowerPoints, and guided
Cognitivism
practice.
On-the-job training, simulations, and problem-solving tasks are used to teach
Constructivism
skills.
Staff learn by watching supervisors or mentors; shadowing and coaching programs
Social Learning
are common.
Humanistic Training focuses on personal growth, job satisfaction, and team well-being.
Use of online learning portals, webinars, Slack/Teams channels for shared
Connectivism
knowledge.
🧒 3. Early Childhood Education
Learning
How It Shows Up in the Classroom
Theory
Behaviorism Star charts, rewards, and time-outs to shape behavior.
Teachers plan lessons based on the child’s mental development (e.g., matching
Cognitivism
games).
Constructivism Play-based learning, hands-on activities, and story-based exploration.
Social Learning Children mimic teachers or peers during role play, songs, and routines.
Humanistic Emphasis on love, safety, emotional support, and creativity.
Connectivism Use of age-appropriate technology like tablets for games and songs.
🔑 Takeaway:
Each theory has its strengths and best-fit environments.
For example:
• Use Behaviorism for discipline or structured training.
• Use Constructivism for problem-solving and active learning.
• Use Connectivism in tech-savvy or modern learning environments.
Would you like me to create a poster, mind map, or quiz to help you or your group
remember this easily?
Absolutely! Here's a breakdown of the major thinkers behind each learning theory,
along with practical examples of their contributions or ideas:
📘 1. Behaviorism
Ivan Pavlov (1849–1936) – Classical Conditioning
• Example: Pavlov rang a bell each time he fed dogs. Eventually, the dogs salivated at
the sound of the bell alone — they associated it with food.
• Application: Students may associate a certain sound or action with a task (e.g., a bell
signaling time to tidy up or change activity).
B.F. Skinner (1904–1990) – Operant Conditioning
• Example: Skinner placed rats in a box; when they pressed a lever, they got food
(positive reinforcement).
• Application: Giving students rewards (points, stickers, praise) for correct answers or
good behavior encourages repetition.
John Watson (1878–1958) – Behavior is Learned
• Example: Watson’s “Little Albert” experiment showed that fear can be conditioned
(child learned to fear a white rat when it was paired with loud noise).
• Application: Be mindful of what emotions and behaviors are reinforced in the
learning environment.
🧠 2. Cognitivism
Jean Piaget (1896–1980) – Stages of Cognitive Development
• Example: Piaget showed that children think differently at each stage (sensorimotor,
preoperational, concrete, formal).
• Application: Teachers adjust instruction depending on whether students are capable
of abstract thinking (e.g., teaching algebra only at the formal operational stage).
Jerome Bruner (1915–2016) – Discovery Learning
• Example: Bruner believed learners should “discover” knowledge by exploring
problems.
• Application: Use manipulatives in math or allow students to experiment before
giving the “right answer.”
🧠 3. Constructivism
Jean Piaget (again) – Knowledge is Constructed
• Example: Piaget emphasised that learners build knowledge through experience and
mental structures.
• Application: Use hands-on projects and let learners explain their thinking.
Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934) – Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
• Example: A child can complete a task with the help of a more skilled peer or adult
(scaffolding).
• Application: Group a weaker student with a stronger one or provide guided steps for
complex tasks.
🧠 4. Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura (1925–2021) – Observational Learning
• Example: Bandura’s “Bobo doll” experiment showed that children imitate aggressive
behavior they see.
• Application: Teachers and older students should model respectful, curious, and hard-
working behaviors.
🧠 5. Humanistic Theory
Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) – Hierarchy of Needs
• Example: Maslow proposed five levels of needs, starting with food and safety, and
ending with self-actualization.
• Application: A hungry, stressed, or unloved student won’t learn well; meet basic
emotional needs first.
Carl Rogers (1902–1987) – Student-Centered Learning
• Example: Rogers believed in unconditional positive regard and letting learners direct
their own learning.
• Application: Allow student choice in topics, value their opinions, and promote self-
assessment.
🧠 6. Connectivism (Modern Theory)
George Siemens (b. 1959) – Digital Learning Networks
• Example: Siemens proposed that learning now involves connecting with digital
sources, networks, and communities.
• Application: Use online platforms (e.g., Moodle, Zoom, Google Classroom) to
encourage collaborative, tech-enabled learning.
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