Scribd
Upload
3 views

assignment II

The document outlines five major learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Humanism, and Social Learning Theory, each presenting unique perspectives on how learning occurs. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these theories to design effective educational programs that address diverse learning needs. The document also highlights the role of educators in facilitating learning according to these theories.

Uploaded by

Endeshew Baylie Kassie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views

assignment II

The document outlines five major learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Humanism, and Social Learning Theory, each presenting unique perspectives on how learning occurs. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these theories to design effective educational programs that address diverse learning needs. The document also highlights the role of educators in facilitating learning according to these theories.

Uploaded by

Endeshew Baylie Kassie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Addis Ababa University

College of Natural and Computational Sciences


Department of Computer Science

Pedagogy Assignment II
By: Endeshew Baylie(GSR/4411/16)

To Fetene R. Melka (PhD)


Feb 2025
1. What Are the 5 Major Learning Theories?

A variety of learning theories have arisen within, and impacted the course of, the field of education.
But these theories aren’t just abstract ideas, or academic concepts on the contrary, they’re practical
approaches to education that teachers can put into use in order to help students learn more
effectively at every age. look at some key differences between five of the most prominent learning
theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, SLT, Constructivism, and Humanism.

1.1. Behaviorism

Founded by John B. Watson (but widely associated with Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner),
Behaviorism is the idea that like Bandura’s Social Learning Theory children learn by observing
the behavior of others, whether adults and authority figures or friends and peers their own age. In
Behaviorism, the learner’s mind is a “blank slate” ready to absorb knowledge and repetition and
reinforcement play a key role in communicating with students.

For instance, the teacher will use either negative or positive reinforcement, which respectively
means subtracting (“negative”) or adding (“positive”) something, in order to reinforce the desired
behavior (or discourage an undesired behavior). An example of positive reinforcement might be
rewarding or praising a behavior like volunteering during group discussions.

1.2. Cognitivism

Introduced during the middle of the 20th century, Cognitivism shifts away from Behaviorism to
place a heavier emphasis on the internal thoughts of the observer, as opposed to merely observing
others’ behavior and responding to stimuli. In contrast to Behaviorism, Cognitivism holds that
learning chiefly takes place while the student is working to break down and organize new
information in their mind.
Journaling is frequently suggested as a helpful classroom exercise that uses the principles of
Cognitivism.

1.3. Constructivism
According to Constructivist Learning Theory, or CLT, students learn new information by building
upon or in other words, constructing knowledge they’ve already gained. This represents a more
active approach to learning, as opposed to an approach like Behaviorism, where students
arguably take a more passive role in learning.

1.4. Humanism
Founded by pioneers like Carl Rogers, James F. T. Bugental, and Abraham Maslow (whose
famous “Hierarchy of Needs” you’re likely already familiar with), Humanist Learning Theory
(HLT) is a learner-centric approach to education. Humanist Learning Theory places a heavier
emphasis on the learner themselves and their untapped potential rather than the methods of
learning or the materials being taught. Built on the premise that humans are fundamentally good
and will act appropriately if their basic needs are met, HLT prioritizes meeting the unique
emotional and academic needs of each learner so that they are empowered to take greater control
over their own education.

1.5. Social Learning theory

SLT is often described as the ‘bridge’ between traditional learning theory (behaviorism) and the
cognitive approach. This is because it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in
learning. Social learning theory considers how both environmental and cognitive factors interact
to influence human learning and behavior.
2. Learning Theories and Aspects

Aspects Views of Locus of Purpose of Teacher’s Manifestatio


Learning Learning Education Role, n in Adult
Process Methods of Learning
Theories Teaching
and
Assessment
Behaviorist Learning as a External To shape Direct Skill
change in stimuli behavior and instruction, acquisition
observable skills. reinforcement and behavior
behavior. , and modification.
assessment
through tests.
Cognitive Learning as Mental To develop Facilitation of Emphasis on
an internal processes critical knowledge self-directed
process of thinking and construction learning and
understanding understanding through cognitive
. . discussion strategies.
and problem-
solving.
Humanist Learning as a Individual To promote Supportive Focus on
personal experience self- and personal goals
growth actualization. empathetic and emotional
process. teaching; development.
assessment
through
personal
reflection.
Social Learning Social To foster Modeling Learning
Learning through context social skills behaviors, from peers
observation and group work, and
and social collaboration. and peer community
interaction. feedback. engagement.

Constructivis Learning as a Active To empower Inquiry-based Emphasis on


t process of engagemen learners to learning, experiential
building t construct their collaborative learning and
knowledge. own projects, and reflective
understanding formative practice.
. assessment.

3. Summary

These learning theories provide different perspectives on how individuals learn and the roles
educators play in facilitating that learning. Understanding these theories can help in designing
effective educational programs that cater to diverse learning needs, especially in adult education.
If you need detailed information on a specific theory or aspect, feel free to ask!

You might also like