Learning Theory

The experts such as Kerr (2007) and Kapp (2007) expressed that all of the learning theories are important and should be used when designing courses and delivering instruction. Both gentlemen argued that behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and conectivism all offer useful insights. Educators need to use various aspects of all of the philosophies to provide quality learning experiences.

Kapp argued that learning is so complex that at this time, no one single learning theory can explain learning in entirety. Kapp suggested that lower level learning requires a behaviorist approach, procedural and rule-based learning requires an emphasis on cognitivism and, problem-solving, collaboration and creativity require a view of constructivism. In my experience, this seems a somewhat vague description that does not capture learning accurately. For example, it seems trial and error learning would fall under behaviorism yet one could problem solve using trial and error method. One could even collaborate with other using this method to solve a problem. Perhaps the difference would be in efficiency of the strategies one implements to problem solve.

Perhaps the difference is one’s ability to apply existing knowledge to new situation. Perhaps we could say it is about the how, what, who, where, and why of things where the definitive information of who, what, and where are more behaviorist and the how cognitive, and the why constructivist. It is complicated and therefore it seems all necessary and significant to consider all theories when considering the idea of learning and how we approach course design, materials, and methods of delivery.

Downes, S. (2005). An Introduction to Connective Knowledge. Retrieved on June, 24, 2010 from http://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=33034

Downes, S. (2007). How Do You Know? Retrieved on June 24, 2010 from http://www.downes.ca/post/40849

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and About: Discussion on Educational Schools of Thought. Retrieved on June 22, 2010 from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Kerr, B. (2007). _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved on June 22, 2010 from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved on June 26, 2010 from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm.