What is learning?
In psychology, learning is a relatively lasting change in behavior or behavioral potential produced by experience or practice. Temporary changes from maturation or fatigue do not count.
Behaviorism
Behaviorism treats learning as stimulus-response association: Pavlov's classical conditioning, Thorndike's law of effect and Skinner's operant conditioning. In class this means clear objectives, immediate feedback, reinforcement and programmed instruction.
Cognitivism
Cognitivism sees learning as change in mental knowledge structures: Köhler's insight learning, Tolman's cognitive maps, information processing, Ausubel's meaningful learning and Gagné's conditions of learning with nine events of instruction.
Constructivism
Learners build knowledge rather than receive it. Piaget emphasized cognitive conflict and equilibration, while Vygotsky emphasized social interaction through the zone of proximal development and scaffolding. Problem-based and cooperative learning follow from this view.
Social learning theory
Bandura showed that people learn by observing others without direct reinforcement (attention, retention, reproduction, motivation) and introduced self-efficacy.
At a glance
| Approach | Learning is | Teacher's role | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behaviorism | Observable behavior change | Provider of reinforcement | Drill, token systems |
| Cognitivism | Change in knowledge structures | Organizer of information | Concept maps, advance organizers |
| Constructivism | Active construction of meaning | Facilitator | Projects, discussion |
| Social learning | Observation and imitation | Model | Demonstration, peer modeling |
Other theories
Knowles's andragogy, Kolb's experiential learning cycle and connectivism for digital networks are also widely cited. In practice, approaches are often combined to fit goals and learners.
References
- Skinner, B. F. (1954). The science of learning and the art of teaching. Harvard Educational Review, 24(2), 86-97.
- Tolman, E. C. (1948). Cognitive maps in rats and men. Psychological Review, 55(4), 189-208.
- Ausubel, D. P. (1968). Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
- Gagné, R. M. (1965). The Conditions of Learning. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society. Harvard University Press.
- Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice-Hall.
- Knowles, M. S. (1980). The Modern Practice of Adult Education (rev. ed.). Cambridge Books.
- Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning. Prentice-Hall.