| Chapter 1: | Study One: Introduction / Overview of Study Goals |
Learning Theories
Three classes of learning theories have proven helpful in understanding the learning process: behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist theories. Each varies in the way learning is conceptualized (Schunk, 2000; see also Ertmer & Newby, 1993). For instance, the behaviorist view defines learning as a change in the frequency or type of behavior. Focus is placed on the stimulus / response nature of learning.
Cognitive theorists place less emphasis on the actions of learners and more on what individuals know and how they acquire that knowledge. The focus of this perspective is placed on information acquisition, organization, storage, and retrieval. Both the behaviorist and cognitivist views consider the environment to be a strong factor in influencing learning. Cognitive theorists also acknowledge the importance of learner characteristics such as abilities, attitudes, and beliefs. For example, a learner must feel competent in his / her ability to learn in order to succeed.
The constructivist view suggests that learning is achieved through the construction of meaning based on experiences. The learner and environment are both important factors; however, constructivists view the interaction between the two as the important issue. The context within which learning occurs is a primary focus in this view. Another important factor in the constructivist perspective is that learning is an involved and intentional activity that requires that learners have an intention to learn, actively process material, and reflect on the material studied (Jonassen, Hernandez-Serrano, & Choi, 2000). Constructivists view learning as an intentional activity in which individuals make sense out of the world around them. Often an individual will encounter some type of dissonance or question that needs to be resolved and they will seek out information to answer the question or resolve the dissonance encountered. Therefore, learning is seen as goal directed and intentional.