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Learning Theories

PTP 783

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These are the slides that you are to review and come prepared to discuss on 6/28/13.

We will do an assessment of your learning of these slides followed by the health literacy information slides and discussion.

Information

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• “The capacity to behave in a given fashion which results from practice or other forms of experience that causes an enduring change in behavior.”

• Involves a stimulus & response and the association between the two

What is learning?

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• Behaviorist orientation• Cognitive orientation• Humanist orientation• Social learning theory

Learning theories

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• Focuses on the observable behavior shaped by environmental forces– Environment plays a key role

• Thorndike’s Law of Exercise & Law of Readiness

• Behaviorist orientation is ideal for recalling of facts or responses but not problem solving

Behaviorist orientation

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• The emphasis is placed on mental processing such as thinking, problem-solving, language and concept formation

• Learning principles within cognitive orientation:– 1. Motivation to learn– 2. Organization of knowledge to be taught– 3. Sequencing of materials to be learned– 4. Feedback

Cognitive orientation

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• Consider learning from the potential for growth

• Tenents: – Self-directedness of adult learning – Value of ‘experience’ in the learning process

• Learning is self-initiated

• Learner knows whether instruction is meeting an objective or a goal

Humanist orientation

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• Based on imitation or modeling

• The progressive narrowing of the stimulus may enhance success– Modeling to ‘real life’

Social learning theory

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• Readiness to learn depends on previous learning• Learning: – occurs throughout the lifetime– is enhanced by repetition– affected by environmental factors

• Active participation improves retention• Intrinsic motivation produces permanent learning

Adult learners

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However, in PT, we have to address LEARNING within the auspices of an Injury, Impairment, or other

form of health related concern.

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• Described by Parsons in 1951

• Four aspects: patient is relieved of normal social responsibilities, sick person must be taken care of and is dependent, sick person should see getting well is an obligation, sick person should seek out expert help.

• Therapist or other healthcare professional is now in a position of authority

Sick Role model

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• Values patient autonomy

• Collaboration between the patient and healthcare provider

• Healthcare provider is a consultant facilitating the patient’s goals

Care model

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Can a patient learn anything a physical therapist tells them if they

are not ready to learn?

What are the barriers to learning?