theoretical orientations

1. Theoretical Orientations
to Learning
Based on the Merriam and Bierema (2014)
Adult Learning: Linking Theory and
Practice

2. Contemporary Views of
Learning Theory

3. Behaviorism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR675X49GLU
YouTube clip on Behaviorism and Learning in his early experiments with
pigeons and programmed instruction with students

4. Behavioral Learning Theory
 Three basic assumptions:
Learning results in a change in
behavior
Environment shapes behavior
Principles of contiguity and
reinforcement

5. Behavioral Theory Today
 Measurable goals and objectives
 Competency based instruction
 Outcomes-focused
 Skill development reinforced w/ repetition
 Training and development

6. Cognitivism
An information processing perspective on adult learning;
major proponents were Ausubel, Bruner (who wrote about a
cognitive approach to instructional design, Gagne, Lewin,
and Piaget
This little video depicts Piagetian theory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhcgYgx7aAA

7. Cognitive Learning Theory
 Defined learning as reorganization of
experience to make sense of stimuli from
the environment
 Focuses on mental processes
 Accounts for insight
 Locus of control for learning is not in the
environment, but internal to the learner

8. Bloom’s Taxonomy
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge

9. Evidences of Cognitive
Learning Theory in Use Today
 Research on cognitive development
in adulthood
 Learning how to learn research
(metacognition)
 Study of learning processes as a
function of age

10. Humanism
Learning with the goal of development of the whole person
This short clip of Dr. Carl Rogers describes his approach to
client-centered therapy in humanistic psychology; this
approach, from an educational perspective, focuses on
learner- or student-centered teaching and learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0neRQzudzw

11. Humanist Learning Theory
Humans are in control of their own
destinies with unlimited potential for
growth
Motivation to learn is intrinsic
Goal of learning is self-actualization

12. Influences of Humanistic
Thought in Learning Theory
 Andragogy (Knowles, Houle, Tough)
 Personal growth movement
 Self-directed learning
 Teacher as “facilitator”
 Developer of talent through coaching,
mentoring, role modeling
Embodied, spiritual, narrative learning

13. Who was Abraham
Maslow?
Famous for concept of a
hierarchy of human needs
Who was Carl Rogers?
Known for “client-centered” or non-
directive therapy. Education adopted his
views in “learner-centered” teaching

14. Social
Cognitivism
This short video introduces some basics of social cognitive theory
(often called social learning theory) by discussing Bandura’s
concept of role modeling others’ behavior in the Bobo doll
experiment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerCK0lRjp8

15. Social Cognitism Learning
Theory
 Draws from both behaviorist and
cognitivist perspectives
 Belief that behavior is a function of the
person and the environment
 Learning through observation and imitation
of others
 Occurs in social context

16. Evidences of Social
Cognitivism in Use Today
Increasing awareness of importance of context
to learning
Vicarious learning through role modeling
Mentoring
 Self-efficacy research

17. Situated Learning and Social
Construction of Learning
Theory
 Participation in communities of practice
 Novice to expert continuum
 Cognitive apprenticeships
 Tool-dependent
 Learning “in situ”

18. Constructivism
There are numerous video clips on constructivism. This one,
although rather long (20 minutes), was intended for medical
educators. When you have time, it provides a useful overview of the
application of constructivist principles for teaching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krqjqGIuC-A
We will be emphasizing the constructivist principles of transformative
learning theory later in the semester.

19. Constructivist Learning Theory
Learning as meaning-making
Meaning actively constructed through
knowledge “structures”
 Internal cognitive activity
 Central role of experience
 Developmental throughout the lifespan

20. Evidences of Constructivism in
Use Today
 Experiential learning
 Self-directed learning / learner autonomy
 Reflective practice
 Perspective transformation and
transformative learning

21. Which of these theoretical
approaches most closely
represents your own
philosophy of practice as an
educator?