List of Theories of Learning & the Explanation of Each
THEORIES OF LEARNING – Here is a guide on each system of belief and procedures with regards to learning and their explanation.
The educational curriculum is filled with topics across different subjects that were anchored on theories, a set of system of belief or procedures. In fact, even theories themselves are discussed in different fields of studies to better understand how something works.
Among the theories that are often considered in the education field are the theories of learning. There are several systems of belief and procedures considered in the field with regards to learning such as the following:
Constructivism
Also called the Constructivist Theory of Learning, this system of belief is one of the most popular theories of learning. It believes that the learners get knowledge through expanding their knowledge based on their existing knowledge about the topic. Under this theory, it is believed that a learner learns when he or she is given the chance to take his/her own initiative for his/her own learning experiences.
This theory stresses the learners’ active role in enhancing their knowledge rather than passively just getting information from the teacher. It believes that learners reflect on their experiences make mental representations, and build new knowledge.
Social Constructivist Theory
The Social Constructivist Theory of Lev Vygotsky believes in three (3) important ideas with regards to the processes in learning. The first idea is that the learning process involves co-construction with other people and it is followed by the mediation of the learning process through communication with other people. The third important idea is that learning can take place within both cultural and historical contexts.
Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development
Also one of the most popular theories of learning is Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development refers to the difference of the learner’s capabilities without help from someone from what he/she can do with the guidance of a skilled individual.
Brain-based Learning Theory
Under the Brain-based Learning Theory, there is much weight on a recent research about cognitive and neurosciences on how the brain gets knowledge and the learners learn with age and growth as among the factors.
Cognitive Load Theory
Also one of the popular theories of learning is the Cognitive Load Theory which believes that the working memory has a limited capacity in retaining knowledge. Advocated by Dylan William, this theory believes that overloading the brain reduces the teaching’s effectiveness.