Theoretical Orientations Theoretical Orientations to Learningto Learning

Based on the work of Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner, Learning in Adulthood, 2007 (3rd edition).

What is learning? What is learning?

Traditional Traditional Definition Definition (psychology): (psychology): Learning is a Learning is a change in change in behavior behavior

This has many This has many limitations! limitations!

Alternative Definition:Alternative Definition:

Learning is a process that Learning is a process that brings together cognitive, brings together cognitive, emotional, and emotional, and environmental influences environmental influences and experiences for and experiences for acquiring, enhancing, or acquiring, enhancing, or making changes in one’s making changes in one’s knowledge, skills, values, knowledge, skills, values, and worldviews and worldviews (Illeris, (Illeris, 2000).2000).

Theoretical Learning Theoretical Learning Orientations Orientations

Behaviorist

Cognitive

Humanistic

BehavioristsBehaviorists

John B. Watson, early 20th century

Edward Thorndike (1920s) Stimulus Response Law of Effect Law of Exercise Law of Readiness

B. F. Skinner (1950s - 1970s) Operant conditioning

Behavioral Learning TheoryBehavioral Learning Theory

Three basic assumptions:Learning results in a change in

behavior

Environment shapes behavior

Principles of contiguity and reinforcement

Who was B. F. Skinner?Who was B. F. Skinner?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm5FGrQEyBY

B. F. SkinnerB. F. Skinner

Lived from 1904 until 1990 “Behaviorist” As a young boy, was an inventor of

machines Became interested in animal

psychology at Harvard Adult projects included:

Project PidgeonThe Baby TenderWalden Two Teaching machines and

Programmed Instruction

Evidences of Behavioral Evidences of Behavioral Learning Theory in Use TodayLearning Theory in Use Today

Human resource development (HRD)Measurable objectives

Competency based instruction

Computer assisted instruction

Instructor accountability

Human performance technology (HPT)

Cognitive Learning TheoryCognitive Learning Theory

Defined learning as reorganization of experience to make sense of stimuli from the environment Focuses on mental processes

Accounts for insight

Locus of control for learning is not in the environment, but internal to the learner

Evidences of Cognitive Evidences of Cognitive Learning Theory in Use Learning Theory in Use TodayToday

Research on cognitive development in adulthood

Learning how to learn research

Study of learning processes as a function of age

Ausubel’s (1963) Concept Ausubel’s (1963) Concept of Advance Organizersof Advance Organizers

Phase 1: Present the advance organizer

Phase 2: Present the task or material

Phase 3: Strengthen cognitive organization

Learners should:Learners should:

Compare and contrast exemplars

and non-exemplars

Inductively discover concepts

Generate their own examples

Discuss hypotheses and attributes

"Learners are encouraged to discover facts and

relationships for themselves."

Bruner’s (1967) Concept Attainment Strategy

Bloom’s TaxonomyBloom’s Taxonomy

Evaluation

Synthesis

Analysis

Application

Comprehension

Knowledge

Humanist Learning TheoryHumanist Learning Theory

Humans are in control of their own destinies with unlimited potential for growth

Motivation to learn is intrinsic

Goal of self-actualization

Influences of Humanistic Influences of Humanistic Thought in Learning TheoryThought in Learning Theory

Andragogy (Knowles, Houle, Tough)

Personal growth movement

Self-directed learning

Teacher as “facilitator”

Developer of talent in organizations through coaching, mentoring

Who was Abraham Maslow?Who was Abraham Maslow?

Psychologist; lived 1908-1970

Founder of humanistic psychology

Famous for concept of a hierarchy of human needs

Who was Carl Rogers?Who was Carl Rogers? Psychologist/

Psychiatrist (1902 - 1987)

Known for “client-centered” or “non-directive” therapy

Influenced by Dewey among others

“Humanist” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HarEcd4bt-s

With which of these learning With which of these learning

theories do theories do YOUYOU most most closely identify?closely identify?

This is the key to your personal philosophy This is the key to your personal philosophy of practice as an educator.of practice as an educator.