AAP logoAAP logo
Article
HEALTH AND NUTRITION, WATER, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION
Learning theories and teaching methods

  • article image

  •  

    Learning theories attempt to elucidate the mechanisms underlying learning. Influential theories include behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Behaviorism posits that learning entails a modification in behavior in response to environmental stimuli. This occurs through the presentation of a stimulus, the association of this stimulus with the desired response, and the reinforcement of this stimulus-response connection. Cognitivism views learning as a transformation in cognitive structures and emphasizes the mental processes involved in encoding, retrieving, and processing information. Constructivism asserts that learning is grounded in the individual's personal experiences and places greater emphasis on social interactions and their interpretation by the learner. These theories carry significant implications for instructional practices. For instance, behaviorists often emphasize repetitive drills, cognitivists may advocate for mnemonic techniques, and constructivists typically employ collaborative learning strategies.[

    Authored by:
    Anne
    Posted by:

    COMMENT
    Anne Miller vijayalaxmi Santosh Mhetre
    Iccepe
    Various theories suggest that learning is more effective when it is based on personal experience
    loading