POST FOUR - Session Two - Learning Theories

Theorists and Physcologists working in the education and 'brain' field have created many theories over the years regarding the learning patterns and methods humans use to gain knowledge.

Firsly, Phil Race created in 2010 the 'model of learning'. The theory sums up the manner in which humans learn. The first stage is to learn the subject and the topic, then practical practice, make sense of the work, recieve feedback and explain the work, then make an assesssment and understand the overview.

Kolbs Learning Model 1984:

• Do Something
• Think and Reflect
• Discuss and Apply
• Evaluate to improve

What is a theory?

• A theory is an exlpanation of observations or predictions.
• They are not fact and canbe disapproved.
• Some theories related to learning are; Behaviourism, Cognitivism, Social Learning Theory, Constructivism. 

Behaviourism

• Classical Conditioning - Unconditional Stimulus, placed with a conditionakl Stimulus creates a conditioned response. (Ivan Pavlov)
• Operant Conditioning - is a controlled response with a reward/punishment system. (BF Skinner)

Some Theorists

• Piaget - humans learn through many stages of cognitive development. After the age of eleven it varies on the type of schooling received.
• Vygotsky - Social interaction plays a fundamental role in cognitive development. The first stage is social and secondly personal. He attempted to explain conciousnes as the result of socialisation. 
• Similarly Vygotsky created a theory known as Zone Proximal Development; child can not do any activity which is too high above their ability.
• The students display skills to acheive tasks, then receive support and then meet their limit.
• Bandura - humans have an ability to learn through reciprical determination. In other words learning through observing others, imitate and model. Learn right and wrong way.

Constructivism

• Bruner - Any person can learn anything provided it is presented to them in an understandable manner.
• Confront and support learbers with problem.
• Build on existing skill and only help when there is requirement.

Problems with Traditional teaching

• Teacher simply speaks a load of information.
• No diversity - all the class is at one pace.
• Lack of visual support.
• Language may be to complex.
• Boring!!!!
• One way communication - lacks engagement and interaction.
• There is also limited material.
• There are no direct questions and requirement for thinking.
• Non ethusiastic and patronising.

Einstein "I never teach my pupils i only provide the enviroment in which they can learn".