Learning Theories

Constructivism is based on the idea that learners are actively involved in constructing knowledge for themselves. Relying on current knowledge and past experiences, learners create new ideas or concepts. Constructivism is often developed through group work and students apply and analyse information to develop their new ideas with the tutor acting as a facilitator.

Types of learning which benefit from a constructivist approach

• problem-based learning
• experiential learning

Cognitivism or cognitive learning theory considers the way people think, exploring the mental processes involved in learning. At a basic level, cognitivism suggests that internal thoughts and external influences are both an important part of the cognitive process. Cognitivism recognises the memory system as an organised processor of information drawing on prior knowledge to help evaluate and create new learning. For students, having an awareness of how their thinking impacts their learning can enable a deeper reflection on how, and what, they are learning.

Types of learning which benefit from a cognitivist approach:

• reflection.
• open-ended discussion (enabling sharing of misconceptions and identification of personal learning points).