A (Very) Brief History of Learning Theory,Matthew D. Laliberte Worcester Polytechnic Institute NERCOMP SIG 01.19.05,Learning as a Black Box,So whats happening inside the box?,A Superficial Review,BehaviorismCognitivismSocial Learning TheorySocial ConstructivismMultiple IntelligencesBrain-Based Learning,Behaviorism,Learning is defined by the outward expression of new behaviorsFocuses solely on observable behaviorsA biological basis for learning Learning is context-independentClassical & Operant Conditioning Reflexes (Pavlovs Dogs) Feedback/Reinforcement (Skinners Pigeon Box),Behaviorism in the Classroom,Rewards and punishmentsResponsibility for student learning rests squarely with the teacherLecture-based, highly structured,Critiques of Behaviorism,Does not account for processes taking place in the mind that cannot be observedAdvocates for passive student learning in a teacher-centric environmentOne size fits allKnowledge itself is given and absoluteProgrammed instruction & teacher-proofing,Cognitivism,Grew in response to BehaviorismKnowledge is stored cognitively as symbolsLearning is the process of connecting symbols in a meaningful & memorable wayStudies focused on the mental processes that facilitate symbol connection,Cognitivism cont.,Jean Piaget Genetic Epistemology Assimilation and AccommodationJerome Bruner Discovery Learning Learner as independent problem-solver,Cognitivism in the Classroom,Inquiry-oriented projectsOpportunities for the testing of hypothesesCuriosity encouragedStaged scaffolding,Critiques of Cognitivism,Like Behaviorism, knowledge itself is given and absolute Input Process Output model is mechanistic and deterministicDoes not account enough for individualityLittle emphasis on affective characteristics,Social Learning Theory (SLT),Grew out of CognitivismA. Bandura (1973)Learning takes place through observation and sensorial experiencesImitation is the sincerest form of flatterySLT is the basis of the movement against violence in media & video games Bobo Doll Experiment,SLT in the Classroom,Collaborative learning and group workModeling responses and expectationsOpportunities to observe experts in action,Critiques of Social Learning Theory,Does not take into account individuality, context, and experience as mediating factorsSuggests students learn best as passive receivers of sensory stimuli, as opposed to being active learnersEmotions and motivation not considered important or connected to learning,Social Constructivism,Grew out of and in response to Cognitivism, framed around metacognitionKnowledge is actively constructed Learning is A search for meaning by the learner Contextualized An inherently social activity Dialogic and recursive The responsibility of the learnerLev Vygotsky Social Learning Zone of Proximal Development,Social Constructivism in the Classroom,JournalingExperiential activitiesPersonal focusCollaborative & cooperative learning,Critiques of Social Constructivism,Suggests that knowledge is neither given nor absoluteOften seen as less rigorous than traditional approaches to instructionDoes not fit well with traditional age grouping and rigid terms/semesters,Multiple Intelligences (MI),Grew out of Constructivism, framed around metacognitionH. Gardner (1983 to present)All people are born with eight intelligences:Enables students to leverage their strengths and purposefully target and develop their weaknesses,MI in the Classroom,Delivery of instruction via multiple mediumsStudent-centered classroomAuthentic AssessmentSelf-directed learning,Critiques of MI,Lack of quantifiable evidence that MI existLack of evidence that use of MI as a curricular and methodological approach has any discernable impact on learningDevelopment process is a time-sinkSuggestive of a departure from core curricula and standards,Brain-Based Learning (BBL),Grew out of Neuroscience & ConstructivismD. Souza, N. Caine & G. Caine, E. Jensen (1980s to present) 12 governing principles,BBL in the Classroom,Opportunities for group learningRegular environmental changesA multi-sensory environment Opportunities for self-expression and making personal connections to contentCommunity-based learning,Critiques of BBL,Research conducted by neuroscientists, not teachers & educational researchersLack of understanding of the brain itself makes “brain-based” learning questionableIndividual principles have been scientifically questioned,Other Learning Theories of Note,Andragogy (M. Knowles)Flow (M. Czikszentmihalyi)Situated Learning (J. Lave)Subsumption Theory (D. Ausubel)Conditions of Learning (R. Gagne),Learning as a Not-So-Black Box,