Learning theory

Learning theory can refer to the following, although it is possible that the fields may eventually link up:

• In education and psychology, Learning theory (education) is a theory about the process of how humans learn. Common examples are:
  • ACT-R
  • Cognitive load theory
  • Multimedia learning theory
• In philosophy, formal learning theory is a theory about the proper behavior of individuals learning about their environment
• In statistics, computational learning theory is a mathematical theory to analyze machine learning algorithms.

• While there are many theories of learning, three theories are listed and described below. These theories could form the basis of instructional design and development. Adult learning principles are alse described. Each theory is named and very briefly described:
  • Behaviorism - Learning was redefined as the acquisition or modification of behavior. Operant conditioning, a brand of Behaviorism created by B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) was one of the first learning theories applied directly to industrial training. Programmed instruction, a grandparent of e-learning, was developed using operant conditioning principles. Behaviorism is as simple as A-B-C. Behavior is occasioned by an Antecedent stimulus, (something that precedes the Behavior), and sustained - or diminished - by its Consequences. Ergo: Antecedent = Behavior = Consequence is the magical behaviorist trilogy.
  • Cognitivism, credited often to MIT psychologist Herbert A. Simon, is concerned with understanding mental events of the trainee and using what's already there to create new "cognitive structures."
  • Call it the "monkey see, monkey do" theory of learning. Social learning theory holds that an observer's behavior changes after viewing the behavior of a model. The observer will imitate the model's behavior if the model possesses characteristics - things such as talent, intelligence, power, good looks or popularity - that the observer finds attractive or desirable. Learning by observation involves four separate processes: attention, retention, production and motivation.

• Adult Learning Princples (often not cited as a more formal learning theory) Adult learning theory emerged from the academic backwaters in 1973 with Malcolm Knowles' book, The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species. In it, he dusted off the word “Andragogy," a term popular in German education circles in the 1800s, and used it to label his attempt to create a unified theory of adult learning based on four assumptions: 1) As they mature, adults prefer self-direction; 2) Adults learn more effectively through experiential techniques such as discussion or problem-solving; 3) Adults have specific learning needs generated by real-life events, 4) Adults are competency-based learners - they want to learn a skill or acquire knowledge that they can apply to their immediate circumstances.