Comparing Learning Theories

I’ve written articles covering the 5 most important learning theories used in instructional design: Behaviorism, Constructivism, Cognitivism, Connectivism and Andragogy.

After you review the table below (that shows key similarities and differences) be sure to scroll down to see my short definition of each theory, with outlines and links to their main blog post pages.

Andragogy is a fancy word for adult learning theory, as it specifically identifies how and under what circumstances adults learn and separates this idea from pedagogy–the process by which children learn.

• Overview
• Key People and Concepts
  • David Kolb
  • Malcolm Knowles
  • Self-Concept, Readiness, Motivation
• Main Adult Learning Approaches
  • Malcolm Knowles’ 6 Assumptions of Adult Learners
  • Transformative Learning
  • Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
• Examples and Comparisons

Behaviorism is a school of Psychology that applies natural science methodology to study the ways in which overt behavior relates to the presence of environmental stimuli. According to behaviorists, observable behavior is the only evidence that learning has taken place.

• Origins and Foundations
• Key People and Theories
  • Edward Thorndike – Law of Effect, Puzzle Box Experiment
  • Ivan Pavlov – Classical Conditioning
  • John Watson
  • B.F. Skinner – Operant Conditioning, Skinner Box Experiment
• Key Concepts
  • Stimulus-Response, Conditioning
  • Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Punishment
• Example Learning Scenario Using Behaviorism Approach
• Implications for Teaching
• Implications for Behavioral Modification and Psychotherapy

• Cognitivism is about mental processes involved in learning, which itself can be described as the acquisition of knowledge through experience. Such mental processes include the ability to recognize, recall, analyze, reflect, apply, create, understand, and evaluate information.
• Origins and Foundations
• Key People and Theories
  • Jean Piaget – Cognitive Stage Theory
  • Jerome Bruner
  • Albert Bandura
• Key Concepts
  • Memory, Information Processing, Retrieval4s
  • Information Chunking (Miller)
  • Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)
  • Comparisons with Other Theories
• Example Learning Scenarios Using Cognitivist Approach
• Implications for Teaching

• Connectivism addresses the role technology plays in the learning process. It also suggests that knowledge is ever-changing and can be developed through both human and technology-driven learning processes. Nodes, networks, people, and technology. Knowledge is distributed and perpetually created, revised, rearranged.
• Origins and Foundations
• Key People and Concepts
  • George Siemens
  • Stephen Downes
  • Nodes, Networks, Relationships
  • MOOCs, The Cloud, Wikis, Social Media
• Learning Example and Infographic Comparison
• Characteristics, Strengths and Drawbacks

Constructivism asserts that each person constructs his own learning and knowledge through interaction with the world. This theory emphasizes developmental levels of maturation; some theorists see this as age-linked and others do not. Social Constructivism places particular emphasis on social interaction.

• Origins and Foundations
• Key People and Concepts
  • Jean Piaget – Cognitive Stage Theory
  • Lev Vygotsky – Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
  • Jerome Bruner – Scaffolding, Social Cognitive Learning
  • Arthur Bandura – Social Learning
• Example Learning Scenario Using Constructivist Approach
• Scaffolding Explanation and Techniques
• Comparisons and Theory Variations

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