Learning Theories

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LEARNING THEORIES

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Learning objectivesAt the end of this session, the learner will able to

Define learningExplore the perspectives of learning by psychologistDevelop skills to analyze how the learning theories could be interacted in a classroom environmentWhat methods could be adopted to improves learning through learning theories

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Definitions: Learning is:

1. “A persisting change in human performance or performance potential . . . (brought)

about a result of the learner’s interaction with the environment”

2. “The relatively permanent change in a person’s knowledge or behavior due to experience”

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”

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Learning TheoryQ: How do people learn?A: Nobody really knows.But there are some theories:

Behaviorism

Cognitivism

Humanism

Constructivism

Multiple Intelligences

Brain-Based Learning

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What is behaviorism?Learning is the result of an association between a stimulus and a response

Learning are measured through changes in the individual behavior.Classical conditioning:

Watson 1920Pavlov 1927

Operant conditioning: Thorndike 1898Skinner

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Classical conditioning - WatsonAccording John B. Watson – 1920,

learning is not inborn behavior, rather behaviors are learned from environment.

He did an experiment with 6 months old boy little Albert.

Based on his experiments he proved that fear and worries are learned by surroundings

and not inherited.

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Little Albert experimentThis experiment led to the following

progression of results:Introduction of a loud sound resulted

in fear, a natural response. Introduction of a rat paired with the

loud sound resulted in fear. Successive introductions of a rat

resulted in fear. Here, learning is demonstrated.

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Pavlov – Conditioning theory

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Results:This theory discovered that the people or animals could learn to respond in a particular way if certain conditions exist.

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Thorndike's “law of effect”

Law of effect means “responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again in that situation, and responses that produce a discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation.”

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Thorndike's “law of effect” (S-R)Puzzle box experiments:

A cat put in a puzzle box and food placed outside. Random movements of cat eventually opened the door & cat ate the food before being put back into box. Over a period of trials his movements became less random & eventually he was able to open the door immediately he was placed in the puzzle box

Behavior that results in success or reward is more likely to be repeated than behavior that does not

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Thorndike's “law of effect”

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Behaviorism Operant Conditioning - Skinner

The response is made first, then reinforcement follows.

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Punishment

Reward

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How would you apply positive and negative reinforcement in a classroomREINFORCEMENT (It increase the

desired behavior)

PUNISHMENT (It decreases the

desired behavior)

Positive Negative Positive Negative •Smile•Nods •Sounds of approval•Give compliments•Praise with words or action

Providing free marks for the test or assignment

Scolding when they commits mistakes

Don’t do that

Sending the students out of the class for breaking the rules

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Albert Bandura

Learning from observation or modeling

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What is Social Learning or modeling theory

Learning takes place through observation and sensorial experiences

Imitating the others action

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How learning occurs through Social learning theoryIt occurs under 4 condition: 1. Attention – the person must 1st pay

attention to the model. 2. Retention – the observer must able

to remember the behavior that has been observed.

3. Motor reproduction – ability to replicate the behavior that the model has just demonstrated

4. Motivation – re demonstration

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Learning and teaching applications relative to Behaviorist theory in a classroom

Learning applications Teaching applications

Human beings learn through trial and error.Learning develops over time

Positive and negative feedback influences learning

Provide opportunity for problem SolvingProvide adequate practice time, plan retest or repeat demonstrations both immediately and at later Intervals.

Reward the learner for all correct behavior, praising positive behavior is better than punishing mistakes.

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Cont… Learning is strengthened each time a positive response is received or a negative consequences is avoided Learning occurs through linking behavior with an associated response

Continue praise and positive reinforcement throughout the teaching transaction

Proceed from simple to complex, do mini closure, share your experience, create concept map etc.

Learning remains until other learning interferes with original learned response

Assess prior experience with subject, some unlearning may be needed before new learning can take place

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Exercise Reflect about some positive and negative reinforcement which could you received from your school teachers.

Reflect and compare about your starting stage of learning occurred in diploma nursing and degree nursing

Reflect on How you will analyze the learning response of the learners in a practice teaching?

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What is CognivitismLearners construct new ideas based on

previous knowledge and experiences.

Cognitive learning takes when learner linking information that was formerly (assimilate) learned with the new information (accommodate) being learned.

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CognivitismConcerned with thinking, perception, organisation & insight

Learners actively involved in problem-solving, seeking out new information & drawing on past experiences to gain understanding

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Cognitive Learning Theories are

Gestalt theoryAssimilation theory - David Ausubel

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Gestalt theory – Kohler’s ExperimentIn this experiment, the chimpanzee named

Grande was placed in an enclosure surrounded by wooden boxes. Initially, the animal jumped to reach the banana but was unsuccessful. Later, Grande dragged the boxes under the bananas and stacked the boxes on top of one another. Using the boxes as a step ladder, the animal got to the bananas.

Interpretation: the chimp was processing the information around it, and then arriving at a solution.

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Chica, Grande, Konsul, and Sultan

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The importance of this theory in teaching are: Insightful learning occurs when the student

analyzes the available information in relation to the problems and attempts to create an appropriate responses the solve the problem.

Here, the students needs supervision, to ensure that the student does not omit an important aspect or suggest something which could be harmful, but the teacher is not controlling the student’s behavior.

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Assimilation learning theory

Cognitive learning depends on the adaptation of previous & existing knowledge &/or experiences to form new insights.

Ausubel (1978) sees that the way mentors select & present information is the key to effective learning. In his ‘assimilation theory of learning’ he states that the most meaning cognitive learning takes place as a result of interaction between new information the individual acquires & the specifically relevant cognitive structures s/he already possesses.

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Responsibility of teacher in CT:

Ask the students regarding pre requisite knowledge before planning and teaching a lesson.

Present organized lessons.Teacher should understand a student’s

experience and stage of development and lessons developed are mentally appropriate.

Students to be prepared for learning to assimilate and accommodate all information.

Allow space for the students to share their experience.

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Learning and teaching applications relative to cognitive theoryLearning

applicationTeaching application

•Learning is based on a change in perception.

•Perceptions are influenced by the senses.

All learning cannot be observed, information must be internalized.Use multi sensory teaching strategies, adjust environment to minimize distractions.

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Learning and teaching applications relative to cognitive theory

Learning application Teaching application

•Perception are influenced by both internal and external variables

•Personal characteristics have an impact on how a cue is perceived

•Perceptions are selectively chosen to be focused on by the individual.

Assess attitude toward learningPast experiences with similar situationsCultureMaturityDevelopmental level and physical ability before designing teaching plan

Identify learning style and target it in the teaching process, develop a flexible approach

Focus learner on what is to be learned, provide support and guidance

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Constructivism

It is an active process in which learners construct the concept or new ideas based on their current/ past knowledge.

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Discovery learningThe learner selects and transforms

information, constructs hypothesis and make decision.

Encourage students to discover principles. Why is there a rainbow

Because it just rained.

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Constructivism

But I only see a rainbow when it is sunny

You’re right, there must be sun

So we need sunand rain for a rainbow!

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I am going to buy 2 ice cream for my 2 friends. So total is 4.

Miss shirt has 3 buttons and skirt has 3 lines, so total is 6

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questionidcoe

comment

Opinion & idea

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Application of constructivismhands on experiences of physical objects

(manipulative learning of objects )

using models and pictures.( make mental images world by learn with brightly colored pictures )

Use symbol or numbers to teach

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3. Humanistic theorist believe that:

The student who is the one should determine what is to be learned, and that learning should relate to their own experiences.

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3. Humanism (Rogers 1983,Knowles 1984)

Rogers (1983) sees the purpose of education as individual growth, to enable the development of a fully functioning person. So focus on human values and concerns.

Here the teacher should act as a facilitator , provider of resources for learning and shares feelings as well as knowledge with their students

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How the teachers should approach the learners through humanistic theory? The most important factor in learning is the

relationship that exists between facilitator & student. The relationship is based on few key factors:

oGenuineness: the mentor should come over as a real person & be able to develop a normal relationship with the learner

oTrust & acceptance: the mentor should see & accept the learner as an individual worthy of their care & respect

oEmpathetic understanding: the mentor should be able to see things from the learners perspective & act appropriately in response to this

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..cont..

o Encourage learners to set their own goals and work toward them

oAvoid imposing own values and views on learner

oExpose learners to new, necessary information

oPose relevant questions to encourage learner to seek answers.

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Newer theories

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Multiple intelligence theory

Howard Gardner -1983 All people born with 8 intelligence

1. verbal – linguistic (good in words and languages)

2. visual – spatial ( ability to visualize the mind’s eye)

3. kinesthetic – capacity to handle objects skillfully.

4. logical - mathematical

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Multiple intelligence theory

5. musical – sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones and music.

6. interpersonal – extrovert

7. intrapersonal – introvert, self reflective capacity.

8. naturalistic – nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings.

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Multiple intelligence theory

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Brain based learning

D. Souza (1980)

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Application of brain based learning in classroomCreating a learning environmentIncorporation of musicAtmosphere consideration

TemperatureLightWater

Taking a brain break“settling time” – brain need break in order to

incorporate information learned and connect the neural networks.

REM sleep

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What happens when we learn?

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Sensory inputs

Short-term memory

A ‘temporary store’ which allows us

to recall information we have just

received

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory

EncodingA process in which we try

to make sense of new information

What we don’t understand is discarded

Lon-term memory

A store which allows us to recall information

a long time after receiving it

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