Module in Educational Technology (Learning Theory)

Learning Theory

There are 5 learning theory that was exist and used in most in education, as a principal for educator in teaching model. Firstly, behaviourism is a view in which behaviour can be explained by external factors and behavioural conditioning can be used as a universal learning process. In behaviourism, the ideas of positive and negative reinforcement are effective tools of learning and behaviour modification, as well as a punishment and reward system. In addition, Cognitivism is a learning theory developed by Jean Piaget in which a child develops cognitive pathways in understanding and physical response to experiences. In this theory, students learn most effectively through reading text and lecture instruction.

Meanwhile, Constructivism is the idea that people are responsible in creating their own understanding of the world and using what they know based on previous experiences in the process of linking new information to these experiences. People use these experiences and new information to construct their own meaning.

In the same way, there’re also 2 of this learning theories that used in education but, not familiar for us. There is, humanism and connectivism, firstly Humanism, this theory was focuses on the individual as the subject and asserts that learning is a natural process that helps a person reach self-actualization. Scenarios and role modelling are important factors in humanistic learning, as are experiences, exploring and observing others. Next, Connectivism is a relatively new learning theory, developed and based upon the idea that people process information by forming connections. This theory has developed with the digital and technology age, adapting to advances in these arenas. This new theory suggests that people no longer stop learning after formal education and continue to gain knowledge from other avenues such as job skills, networking, experience and access to information with new tools in technology.