The document provides an overview of behaviorist and cognitive learning theories, including classical and operant conditioning, and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning. It discusses how behaviorist learning theories focus on observable stimulus-response relationships and environmental influences on behavior, while cognitive learning theories acknowledge internal mental processes. The cognitive theory of multimedia learning proposes that people learn more deeply from words and pictures than words alone. Finally, the document notes that these theories can be applied in various learning settings, including traditional classrooms, online classes, and self-directed learning.
1. Instructor: Ms. Mary Joseph
Learning Theory
Presentation
AET/500
Jonathan Lee
Due Date: 6 June 2016
2. Overview
• Behaviorist Learning Theory
• Classical Conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
• Cognitive Learning Theory
• Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning
• Applicable Settings
• Summary
• References
3. Behaviorist Learning Theory
• Definition
o Learning and behavior are described and explained in terms of stimulus-response relationships
• Assumptions
o The environment influences behavior
• Learners are conditioned or molded to respond in certain ways based on feedback, rewards, and praise
o Learning is described through stimuli and responses
• Learning only occurs through observable events rather than internal events (thoughts, feelings, beliefs)
o Learning must involve a behavioral change
o Learning must occur when stimulus and response occur close in time
• Response is a direct result of stimulus
o Animals and humans learn in similar ways
4. Classical Conditioning
• Classical Conditioning
o Introduced by Ivan Pavlov
• Utilizing dogs, an involuntary response was triggered by a stimulus
• Can be accomplished through repetition and actions
5. Operant Conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
o Introduced by B.F. Skinner
• Built off of Pavlov’s work
o Definition
• Behaviors that are reinforced will tend to continue while behaviors that are punished will eventually end.
o Positive and Negative Reinforcement
• Positive Reinforcement
o Favorable events of outcomes that are given to the individual after the desired behavior: praise,
rewards, etc.
• Negative Reinforcement
o Typically characterized by the removal of an undesired or unpleasant outcome after the desired
behavior. A response is strengthened as something considered is removed
• Goal for both types if reinforcement is for the behavior to increase
6. Cognitive Learning Theory
• Definition
o Learning based on how people perceive, remember, think, speak and problem solve
• Two assumptions
o Acknowledge the existence of internal mental states
• Beliefs, desires, motivations
o Memory structures determine how information is perceived, processed, stored and forgotten
• Involves processes like categorization, language, thinking processes
7. Cognitive Theory of Multimedia
Learning
• First proposed by Richard Mayer
• Definition
o “People learn more deeply from words and pictures than from words alone” (Mayer, 47)
• Assumptions
o Two separate channels (Auditory and visual) for processing information (aka Dual-Coding Theory)
o Each channel has a limited/finite capacity
o Learning is an active process of filtering, selecting, organizing, and integrating information based upon prior
knowledge
8. Cognitive Theory of Multimedia
Learning
• Three memory stores
o Sensory
• Receives stimuli and stores it for a very short time
o Working
• Actively processes information to create mental constructs of “schema”
o Long-term
• The repository of all things learned
• Main Theory
o The brain’s interpretation of a multimedia presentation of words, pictures, and auditory information in a
mutually exclusive fashion; rather, these elements are selected and organized dynamically to produce logical
mental constructs
• Underscores the importance of learning new information is integrated with prior knowledge
o Design Principles
• Provide coherent verbal, pictorial information, guiding learners to select relevant words and images, and
reducing the load for a single processing channel
9. Applicable Settings
• Both learning theories can be applied to most learning settings
o Traditional classroom
• Modifying behaviors for study skills and discipline
• Presenting information via multiple avenues
o Online classes
• Present structure for proper pacing of learning
• Provide appropriate feedback and consequences for actions
• Present information visually and auditory to help the brain absorb information more clearly
o Hybrid classrooms
• Provide guidance for acceptable norms and behavior and expectations
• Provide resources for self directed learning and structured classes
o Self-directed learning
• Hard to condition one’s self but not impossible – can create self-imposed reaction to certain stimuli
• Seek out multiple sources of information to learn as much as possible from different avenues
10. Summary
• Behaviorist Learning Theory
• Classical Conditioning
• Operant Conditioning
• Cognitive Learning Theory
• Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning
• Applicable Settings
• Summary
• References
11. References
• Classical and Operant Conditioning (Skinner. (2016, June 06). Retrieved
from: http://www.learning-theories.com/operant-conditioning-skinner.html
• Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer) - Learning Theories.
(2015). Retrieved June 07, 2016, from http://www.learning-
theories.com/cognitive-theory-of-multimedia-learning-mayer.html
• Behavioral, Cognitive, Developmental, Social Cognitive & Constructivist
Perspectives (n.d.). Retrieved June 07, 2016, from
http://study.com/academy/lesson/behavioral-cognitive-developmental-social-
cognitive-constructivist-perspectives.html
• Pavlov's Dogs. (n.d.). Retrieved June 07, 2016, from
http://www.simplypsychology.org/pavlov.html