Is This Learning or Just Pressing Buttons? A Look at Learning Theories

Online learning is progressing rapidly here in the 21st Century, but how do we know if our students are learning or just responding to stimuli? Is keyboarding our greatest skill in online learning? How can we approach learning in the online environment to achieve the best possible results?

First of all, let's make ourselves familiar with the different learning theories:
(Summary for each learning theory taken from: http://www.learning-theories.com/paradigms)

Humanism:

Believes that we should have a personal experience with collaboration and support.
The learning is student-centered and the teacher is seen as a facilitator.

I call this: "It's all about me" theory.

Cognitivism:

Believes that we cannot see what is being learned because it is inside the brain and we will eventually see certain outcomes due to what is input. This theory focuses on memory.

I call this: "Using my noodle" theory.

Constructivism:

Believes that learning is constructed all around us. We relate our learning experiences to prior knowledge and all learning is subjective to our perspective.

I call this "Lego" theory.

Behaviorism:

Believes that learning is a response to a stimuli. You see it and you model or respond to it.

I call this the "Go, Fetch!" theory.


Now, that we have an idea of the different types of theories, let's look at some learning experiences that fit into these categories:


Humanism:




Behaviorism:




Constructivism:




Cognitivism:






So, what is the best approach to learning?



For me, it is the cognitive learning theory. Why is it important for us to implement learning theories in the online learning environment? Because we want to achieve the most effective outcome for our students. Before we can begin to design learning, approach learning, or teach content, we must understand how our students learn, so that we can provide them with experiences that will enhance learning and trigger cognitive processes. This will in turn increase recall and help students transition new knowledge to long-term memory; thereby, creating a new learning experience. Without understanding how we learn, we cannot teach!

Behaviorism just requires a reaction to a stimuli. A student might become conditioned to react in a certain way, but that does not mean actual cognitive processes are involved. Constructivism only relates to the surroundings and prior knowledge. It provides a foundation to build on, but only on what is already in memory. The knowledge must be linked to something existent. Humanism focuses on the student and his/her thoughts, feelings, and needs. While this may sound good, we cannot always succeed by concentrating only on ourselves and our needs and desires. It is important to promote self-esteem, but you may not be able to stop and find your inner "chi" each time you need to be reminded.

Cognitivism allows for transition in the environment, ability to adapt, and to rationalize and process new information if conditions change and the world does not focus solely on needs and desires.

More to come....

Cynthia