Behaviourism
Sometimes referred to as 'objectivism', the behaviourism learning theory has its roots in behavioural psychology. Learning is characterised by an observable change in behaviour. In this theory, students learn through practice, positive reinforcement and re-shaping what they have learned through the process. This is useful for low-level content, processes and routine skill development.Cognitivism
Cognitivists explain mental processes in terms of a three-stage model.1. Sensory Memory: Information is first accessed through the senses, where a 'sensory register' filters the massive amount of information received and transfers most important information to the working memory.
2. The Working Memory then organises information for long term storage. About seven pieces of information can be stored at once and will remain in the working memory for about twenty seconds
3. Information can then be transferred to the long term memory for future use. However, information can be sent back from the long term memory to the working memory as situations arise.
Social Constructivism
Social constructivists argue that social interaction has a major impact on learning; learning is founded upon interactions with a learning community or expert community. They argue that learners can move beyond what they already know with the support of others to construct new knowledge. The support of a teacher and the use of modelling and scaffolding plays an important part in this learning theory.Connectivism
Proposed by George Siemens as the 'learning theory for the digital age'. Siemens states that it is no longer possible to know everything but rather to know how and where to find relevant information. Knowing where to find information when we need it is more important than actually having that knowledge in our minds.I found the activities for week 1 to be quite interesting. I think having an understanding of different learning theories and thinking about how students actually learn is important for us as teachers. I look forward to posting more blogs in the upcoming weeks and becoming more confident in my use of ICT's.
