1. Learning Theory Matrix
Click Theory to Display Info*
Behaviorism
Social Learning
Cognitivism
Connectivism
Constructivism
Adult Learning
* Info profile questions are from Schunk (1991),
as quoted in Ertmer and Newby (1993).
 matrix from Angela Sisson

2. Behaviorist Theory
How does learning
occur?
Learning is observable when either form or frequency of a
behavior/performance changes; accomplishment of desired learning
is associated with observation of a proper/desired response related
to specific stimulus*
What factors
influence learning?
Learner and environment variables are each important; environment
is the most significant factor*
What is the role
of memory?
Memory is not a prominent component in Behaviorist theory;
“forgetting” is merely associated with non-use/lack
of reinforcement*
How does
transfer occur?
In the Behaviorist view, transfer results from generalization;
essentially, common/similar situations set up the opportunity to
transfer learned behaviors based
on common elements*
What types of learning
are best explained
by this theory?
discriminations (recalling facts); generalizations (defining and
illustrating concepts); associations (applying explanations); and,
chaining (automatically performing a specified procedure)*
How is technology
used for learning
in your industry?
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Examples might be training videos (for example, for driving) which
condition an approved approach/behavior
* Source: Ertmer and Newby (1993)
next: Cognitive

3. Cognitive Theory
How does learning
occur?
Mental activity requiring the learner to encode and structure
information*
What factors
influence learning?
Mental factors involving support processes for learning, such as
planning and strategizing*
What is the role
of memory?
Memory is crucial: learning occurs when something is stored in
memory in a meaningful way; “forgetting” is associated with a lack of
memory cues or damaged memory*
How does
transfer occur?
A cognitive view is that transfer is when a learner understands
something at a level involving discriminating thought and is thus able
to apply that knowledge in different contexts*
What types of learning
are best explained
by this theory?
How is technology
used for learning
in your industry?
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Cognitive learning is best seen in complex learning, such as
reasoning, problem-solving and information-processing
Examples include puzzles/problem-solving games
* Source: Ertmer and Newby (1993)
next: Constructivist

4. Constructivist Theory
How does learning
occur?
In essence, this is a mental activity in which one creates meaning
from experience*
What factors
influence learning?
Learner, environment, and interaction are each key to completing the
activity that results in learning*
What is the role
of memory?
Memory is considered a cumulative history of interactions*
How does
transfer occur?
Transfer of learning is thought to occur when authentic tasks
contextualize information in conjunction with something meaningful*
What types of learning
are best explained
by this theory?
How is technology
used for learning
in your industry?
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Best observed in cases in which learners have knowledge and face
complex and ill-structured problems (described by Jonassen [1991]
in Ertmer and Newby [1993])
Examples may include problem-solving games
* Source: Ertmer and Newby (1993)
next: Social Learning

5. Social Learning Theory
How does learning
occur?
Interaction in social settings prompts learning; this may include
direct instruction or observation; much learning relates to modeling*
What factors
influence learning?
Factors of social interaction influence learning: ability to
communicate (ex: natural vs. forced, formal vs. informal, media for
communication and interaction, etc); reinforcement may play a part,
as may behavior*
What is the role
of memory?
Retention plays a factor, as the ability to identify influences on
modeling of behavior come into play*
How does
transfer occur?
Transfer occurs when observed learnings are deemed meaningful for
replication (ex: when learner is able to call on memory of behavior
and model it appropriately)*
What types of learning
are best explained
by this theory?
This type of learning best occurs when social interaction allows for
modeling both as a tool and means to demonstrate learning*
How is technology
used for learning
in your industry?
Online instructional design may make best use of this through chat
rooms and social media postings
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*Source: Grusec, Joan (1992).
next: Connectivism

6. Connectivism Theory
How does learning
occur?
Learning occurs as distributed in an enhanced network through
recognizing and interpreting patterns*
What factors
influence learning?
Diversity within the network itself*
What is the role
of memory?
Memory needs to call on adaptive patterns and information garnered
from existing networks*
How does
transfer occur?
Connecting to a network allows transfer*
What types of learning
are best explained
by this theory?
How is technology
used for learning
in your industry?
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Knowledge requiring the process of diverse learning sources
illustrates this*
An example of this may be a social media; for example, a networkbased media such as LinkedIn
* Source: Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & KellyBateman, V. (2008).
next: Adult Learning

7. Adult Learning Theory
How does learning
occur?
Learning for adults occurs in the same ways as for youth, but
environment should be considered as it reflects factors influencing
effective adult education*
What factors
influence learning?
Adult learners may want/need consideration for their goals and
responsibilities; adult learners are particularly responsive to
problem- or need-based tasks; adults are more likely intrinsically
motivated*
What is the role
of memory?
Role varies depending on task/approach (as mentioned, this draws
on learning similar to children)*
How does
transfer occur?
Transfer occurs through problem-solving *
What types of learning
are best explained
by this theory?
How is technology
used for learning
in your industry?
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Project-based learning is a key example: this draws on experience
reservoirs and engages adults in application*
An example may be project management software
* Source: Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., &
Smith, K. (2003).
next: Citations

8. Citations
• Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey
(Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
• Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M.
Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
• Ertmer, P.A., & Newby, T.J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism,
constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design
perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4),50-71.
• Grusec, J. (1992). Social learning theory and developmental psychology:
The legacies of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. Developmental
Psychology. 28 (5).
• Merriam, S. B. & Caffarella, R.S.(1999). Learning in adulthood: A
comprehensive guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass Inc.
• Schunk, D.H. (1991). Learning theories: An educational perspective. New
York: Macmillan.
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