Learning Theories

1. L E A R N I N G T H E O R I E S
E M I L Y W U L F

2. B E H A V I O R I S M
• Focuses on observable
behaviors
• Deals with positive and
negative reinforcement
• Behavior is heavily
influenced by the
environment
• “Universal” learning method

3. C O G N I T I V I S M
• Mind acts as a computer:
information is learned and
stored
• Focuses more on internal
processes
• Focuses on memory,
problem solving, mental
processes

4. C O N S T R U C T I
V I S M
• You learn and interpret
things how you see fit
• Knowledge is acquired
based on your own
personal experiences and
how you view the
environment
• You learn from previous
experiences and knowledge

5. B E H A V I O R I S M
M Y C H O I C E

6. W H Y ?
• I believe the ideas fit best with the way I want to teach.
I want to incorporate my students’ interests in my
classroom to create a fun and safe environment. I also
want to have a rewards system which incorporates the
reinforcement. I believe these two things will lead to a
very successful classroom climate for my students.

7. C O G N I T I V I S M
I D I S L I K E …

8. W H Y ?
• I believe that my special education students will rely
more on practicing behaviors rather than memorizing
everything. Many times they seem to do better with
repeated practice on a daily basis rather than being
expected to remember everything we learned the day
before. My students will be able to recall some
information but it will be much more practice based.

9. V I D E O S
• These are some helpful videos to break down each
theory.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYDYzR-ZWRQ
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gugvpoU2Ewo
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa59prZC5gA

10. R E F E R E N C E S
• (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.innovativelearning.com/educational_psychology/cognitivism/index.htm
• Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features
from an Instructional Design Perspective. Retrieved from
http://www.csiss.org/SPACE/workshops/2007/UCSB/docs/ertmer_newby1993.pdf
• (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.iep.utm.edu/behavior/
• Constructivist Learning Theory | Exploratorium. (2016, October 07). Retrieved from
https://www.exploratorium.edu/education/ifi/constructivist-learning