LEARNING THEORIES TO HEALTHCARE PRACTICE

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References: ❖ Classifying or chunking information
o Bastable S (2008). Nurse as Educator: Principles of ❖ Linking concepts (associate new content with
Teaching and Learning for Nursing Practice. Jones and something known)
Bartlett Publishers. Sudbury, MA ❖ Provides structure (organizing a lecture in
efficient and meaningful ways)
LEARNING THEORIES ❖ Real world examples
A learning theory is a logical framework describing, ❖ Discussions
explaining or predicting how people learn. • Problem solving
Contribution of learning theories to healthcare • Analogies
practices are the ff: • Imagery / providing pictures
1. Demonstrates that sound methods and clear • Mnemonics
rationale are regularly used in their work
2. Patient and client interaction
3. Staff management and training 3. CONSTRUCTIVIST THEORY
4. Continuing education and health promotion
Based on the premise that we all construct our own
programs
perspective of the world.
There are 7 learning theories:
Knowledge is based on how an individual interprets
1. Behaviorist 5. Social
and creates the meaning of his experience
2. Cognitive 6. Humanistic / Multiple
Knowledge is constructed by the learner, learning is
3. Constructive Intelligence
unique and differs for each individual due to
4. Psychodynamic 7. Heuristic
differences in experience and perception
This theory is used to focus on preparing people to
1. BEHAVIORIST THEORY problem solve
Learning is the result of connections made between the Does not work when results always need to be
stimulus conditions in the environment (S) and the consistent
individual responses (R) that follow. Also termed as S-R
model of learning. Examples and Applications
Stems from the work of B.F. Skinner
Concept is Operant Conditioning ❖ Case study
Believes that knowledge exists independently and ❖ Research projects
outside of people ❖ Problem-based learning
Views the learner as a blank slate who must be ❖ Brainstorming
provided the experience ❖ Collaborative learning / group work
Behaviorists believe that learning actually occurs ❖ Discovery learning
when new behaviors or changes in behavior are ❖ Simulations
acquired through associations between stimuli (S) and
response (R) leading to a change in behavior
Note: All three theories (behaviorist, cognitivist,
Examples and Applications constructivist) are important to understand when deciding
which strategies to use, it considers:
❖ Drill / Rote work • The level of knowledge of the learner
❖ Repetitive practice • The thought processing demands
❖ Bonus points (providing an incentive to do more) • The desired outcome (generation of new ideas or a
❖ Participation points (provides incentive to single answer)
participate)
❖ Verbal reinforcement (saying “good job“ as an
acknowledgement)
❖ Establishing rules

2. COGNITIVE THEORY
The theory based on the idea that humans process the
information they receive rather than merely responding to
stimuli.
Changes in behavior are observed only as an
indicator to what is going on in the learner's head
Learner's mind is like the mirror from which new
knowledge is reflected
Information processing is based on the thought
process behind the behavior
Credited to Jean Piaget
TUDTUD, SALVAÑA, LOVIANO | BSMT 1D & 1B 3
 4. PSYCHODYNAMIC LEARNING THEORY 7. HEURISTICS
Originated from the work of Sigmund Freud. Method of teaching which involves placing the student as
Emphasizes on unconscious psychological processes far as possible in the attitude of discoveries.
(e.g. wishes and fears of which we are not fully aware of). Intended to provide a training in method
Contends that childhood experiences are crucial in Based on 5 principles:
shaping adult personality. ❖ Principle of freedom
❖ Principle of logical thinking
Examples and Applications ❖ Principle of activity
❖ Principle of self-thinking and self-study
❖ Obsessive hardworking could be linked to ❖ Principle of purposeful experience
trauma
❖ Nail biting may be caused by an anxiety during Examples and Applications
childhood events
❖ Helps to deal with complex decisions in ❖ Solves problems by using scientific attitude
diagnosis and treatment ❖ Helps students discover facts of nature
❖ Helps students think and work independently
❖ Collection and analysis of data for information
5. SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY by students
Proposes that new behaviors can be acquired by
observations and imitation of others.
Utilizes vicarious reinforcements (e.g. rewards and
punishments).
Considers dynamics of individual behavior and directs
the design of intervention to influence change in
behavior.
Examples and Applications

❖ Teaching new tasks and materials, solve

6. HUMANISTIC / MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE

HUMANISTIC
Emphasizing on looking at the whole individual.
Stresses concepts such as free will, self-efficacy, and self-
actualization.
Helps individuals fulfill their potentials and maximizes
their well-being
Learning occurs on the basis of a person's
motivation
Examples and Applications

❖ Care in hospices and care of palliative patients

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE
Developed by Dr. Howard Gardner in 1983.
Gardner identified 8 types of intelligence:
1. Linguistic – Verbal 5. Musical
2. Logical – 6. Interpersonal
Mathematical 7. Intrapersonal
3. Visual – Spatial 8. Naturalistic
4. Bodily – Kinesthetic Intelligence

TUDTUD, SALVAÑA, LOVIANO | BSMT 1D & 1B 4