Learning Theories

We know that no two individuals are alike and the way each person learns will vary. Therefore, it is important for us as tutors to design learning activities on our module(s) within the programme of studies to meet the needs of the diverse student body. For centuries psychologists have been considering and debating how people learn which has led to the development of conceptual frameworks (or learning theories) identifying how we receive, process, recall, retain and apply knowledge. We will briefly consider 4 of the key learning theories and identify how we can design learning activities which support the mode of learning.

Constructivism
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
Connectivism
As one of the newest learning theories, connectivism focuses on the idea that we learn as we form connections. Connectivism emphasises the importance of social and cultural connections with others. The importance of technology’s effect on how people live, communicate and learn has also been considered in relation to connectivism. Tutors can make use of connectivism in learning by encouraging students to research and investigate topics that are of personal interest to them.
Types of learning which benefit from a connectivism approach
- personalised learning
- mind-mapping
Cognitivism
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).
Behaviourism
John Watson in the 19th Century, first coined the term ‘Behaviourism’ and insisted that psychology must focus on measurable behaviours. Behaviourism suggests that learning is acquired through conditioning and that learning can be measured. Positive reinforcement is a useful aspect of behaviourism and can be used as a motivation for student learning (e.g. low stake quizzes).
Types of learning which benefit from a behaviourist approach:
- competency/skill-based learning.
- recall of facts/figures.