Learning on the basis of Learning Theories
In the following abstract I will shortly present three major learning theories every teacher should be aware of, when it comes to planning teaching sessions. I am providing additional information how these learning theories can be used as basis for tasks such as online vocabulary training or text writing. Learning theory can be compared to the windows of a house: Every look through a window will result in the same view of the house interior. However, every look will present the interior out of a different perspective:
1) Behaviorism
Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior rather on thought processes. That's why a behaviorist would define learning as 'a change in behavior'. The environment of an individual can shape its behavior and has therefore a high influence on the learning progress. This is especially true when it comes to positive (rewarding) or negative reinforcement (punishment) of an individual in order to shape its behavior, meaning to steer his learning process. The most important mean of Behaviorism is repetition.
Due to the fact, that Behaviorism considers the learner to be dependent from its environment (teacher), the theory rarely finds application in school. However in training vocabulary in class or online (planet tmx) the theory is widely used. And also the system of learning vocabulary with the help of a card box works after the principles of Behaviorism.
2) Cognitivism
The Cognitivist theory states that students assimilate new knowledge with an existing structure.
If we can recall stored information, we know that learning has occurred. When we are thinking, we have two basic tendencies which are organization and adaptation. During the organization phase we try to generate new knowledge on the basis of the thinks we are experiencing. During the adaption phase we try to accommodate and assimilate new thinks into our common schemes in mind. While restructuring mental schemes, the learner passes several cognitive developmental stages. The focus however, is always on equilibration of the two tendencies.
In a Cognitivist perspective, the teacher should be concerned more about the process of learning, than with the actual result of a product. Pronunciation training is a good example. The learner sees a new word and produces a hypothesis about the pronunciation of this item. When the learner encounters the word a first time with his ears, he might come to the conclusion that the own pronunciation might be wrong. The learner states than a new hypothesis about the pronunciation of the word which can be tested again in direct communication with the teacher or indirectly in at other point in time.
3) Constructivism
Knowledge is actively constructed by the individual, which means that the learner is always processing what has been taught.
Learning is an individual and social process. That's why students should be in different situations where they can learn for themselves and from others.
Learning is a self-regulated process → Every student has his/her individual learning speed and path.
Students are actively involved in their learning through building on previous knowledge and experiences. Students construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and evaluating on those experiences.
The use of a Constructivist theory comes in handy when students are faced to organise a bigger project in groups. A possible task could be to create wiki in groups. The students need to work collaboratively in order to get the work done, but every student can work in his own speed and has time work things out individually.
1) Behaviorism
Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior rather on thought processes. That's why a behaviorist would define learning as 'a change in behavior'. The environment of an individual can shape its behavior and has therefore a high influence on the learning progress. This is especially true when it comes to positive (rewarding) or negative reinforcement (punishment) of an individual in order to shape its behavior, meaning to steer his learning process. The most important mean of Behaviorism is repetition.
Due to the fact, that Behaviorism considers the learner to be dependent from its environment (teacher), the theory rarely finds application in school. However in training vocabulary in class or online (planet tmx) the theory is widely used. And also the system of learning vocabulary with the help of a card box works after the principles of Behaviorism.
2) Cognitivism
The Cognitivist theory states that students assimilate new knowledge with an existing structure.
If we can recall stored information, we know that learning has occurred. When we are thinking, we have two basic tendencies which are organization and adaptation. During the organization phase we try to generate new knowledge on the basis of the thinks we are experiencing. During the adaption phase we try to accommodate and assimilate new thinks into our common schemes in mind. While restructuring mental schemes, the learner passes several cognitive developmental stages. The focus however, is always on equilibration of the two tendencies.
In a Cognitivist perspective, the teacher should be concerned more about the process of learning, than with the actual result of a product. Pronunciation training is a good example. The learner sees a new word and produces a hypothesis about the pronunciation of this item. When the learner encounters the word a first time with his ears, he might come to the conclusion that the own pronunciation might be wrong. The learner states than a new hypothesis about the pronunciation of the word which can be tested again in direct communication with the teacher or indirectly in at other point in time.
3) Constructivism
Knowledge is actively constructed by the individual, which means that the learner is always processing what has been taught.
Learning is an individual and social process. That's why students should be in different situations where they can learn for themselves and from others.
Learning is a self-regulated process → Every student has his/her individual learning speed and path.
Students are actively involved in their learning through building on previous knowledge and experiences. Students construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and evaluating on those experiences.
The use of a Constructivist theory comes in handy when students are faced to organise a bigger project in groups. A possible task could be to create wiki in groups. The students need to work collaboratively in order to get the work done, but every student can work in his own speed and has time work things out individually.
