Abstract

Traditionally, people have known more about how animals learn than about how children learn, and they know much more about how children learn than about how adults learn. The proliferation of propounders has presented a major challenge to the interpreters in their quest to bring some sort of order to learning theories. Researchers have exerted considerable effort in their attempts to structure the knowledge. However, no single, unified classification emerged from their early efforts. When applied to the sphere of epistemology and psychology, this world view results in an inherently and spontaneously active organism model of humans. It sees people as an active organism rather than a reactive organism, as a source of acts rather than as a collection of acts initiated by external forces. Thorndike perceived inexperienced learners to be empty organisms who more or less responded to stimuli randomly and automatically.

Learning objectives

Learners will be able to:

1. Describe traditional theories of learning.
2. Evaluate why so many learning theories have been developed.
3. Summarize the important points derived from elemental model theories.
4. Evaluate the important points derived from holistic model learning theories.

Brainstorming

Think of situations where elemental and holistic models can be used. How? What would be the differences?

Discussion Questions

Can cognitive theories be implemented in adult learning process?

Classification of Learning Theories

Hilgard and Bower’s (1966) 11 categories

Connectionism (Thorndike)

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)

Contiguous Conditioning (Guthrie)

Operant Conditioning (Skinner)

Systematic Behavior Theory (Hull)

Purposive Behaviorism (Tolman)

Gestalt Theory (Koffka & Kahler)

Psychodynamics (Freud)

Functionalism

Mathematical Learning Theory

Information Processing Models

McDonald (1964) 6 categories

Recapitulation (Hull)

Connectionism (Thorndike)

Pragmatism (Dewey)

Gestalt and Field Theory (Ogden, Hartman, Lewin)

Dynamic Psychology (Freud)

Functionalism (Judd)

Gage (1972) 3 families of learning theories

(1) conditioning

(2) modeling

(3) cognitive.

World Views or Metaphysical Systems Infographic

Reflection Questions

6.1           Speculate as to why so many learning theories have been created.

6.2           What is the value of thinking of wholes and parts as they relate to learning?

6.3           What are some of the important points derived from elemental model learning theories?

6.4           What are some of the important points derived from holistic model learning theories?