way of learning......

Theories of learning
Unit 4
Applied Linguistics
Fernando Rubio
University of Huelva, Spain
(Sources are in slide 40)
Broad Goals
1.  Operationally define terms relevant to    theories of learning.
2.  Examine learning theories that are  currently important.
Definitions:  Learning is:
1. “a persisting change in human performance or performance potential . . . (brought) about as a result of the learner’s interaction with the environment”  (Driscoll, 1994, pp. 8-9).  
2. “the relatively permanent change in a person’s knowledge or behavior due to experience”  (Mayer, 1982, p. 1040).
3.   “an enduring change in behavior, or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or other forms of experience”  (Shuell, 1986, p. 412).
Learning Theory
Q: How do people learn?
A: Nobody really knows.
But there are 6 main theories:
Behaviorism
Confined to observable and measurable behavior

Classical Conditioning - Pavlov

Operant Conditioning - Skinner
Behaviorism
Classical Conditioning - Pavlov
Behaviorism
Classical Conditioning - Pavlov

Behaviorism
Operant Conditioning - Skinner

Behaviorism
Learning is defined by the outward expression of new behaviors

Focuses solely on observable behaviors

A biological basis for learning

Learning is context-independent

Classical & Operant Conditioning
Reflexes (Pavlov’s Dogs)
Feedback/Reinforcement (Skinner’s Pigeon Box)
Behaviorism in the Classroom
Rewards and punishments

Responsibility for student learning rests squarely with the teacher

Lecture-based, highly structured
Critiques of Behaviorism
Does not account for processes taking place in the mind that cannot be observed

Advocates for passive student learning in a teacher-centric environment

One size fits all

Knowledge itself is given and absolute

Programmed instruction & teacher-proofing
Learning Theory
Behaviorism
Cognitive Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory
Cognitivism
Grew in response to Behaviorism

Knowledge is stored cognitively as symbols

Learning is the process of connecting symbols in a meaningful & memorable way

Studies focused on the mental processes that facilitate symbol connection
Cognitive Learning Theory
Discovery Learning - Jerome Bruner

Meaningful Verbal Learning -            David Ausubel
Cognitive Learning Theory
Discovery Learning
Cognitive Learning Theory
Discovery Learning
Cognitive Learning Theory
Meaningful Verbal Learning

Cognitive Learning Theory
Meaningful Verbal Learning

Cognitivism in the Classroom
Inquiry-oriented projects

Opportunities for the testing of hypotheses

Curiosity encouraged

Staged scaffolding
Critiques of Cognitivism
Like Behaviorism, knowledge itself is given and absolute

Input – Process – Output model is mechanistic and deterministic

Does not account enough for individuality

Little emphasis on affective characteristics
Learning Theory
Behaviorism
Social Learning Theory
Cognitive Learning Theory