Download Learning Theories: impact on adult education and training programs

Presented
By
Elvira Granado
The following is an overview on two learning theories, Behaviorism
and Cognitivism, which have structured the way learning takes place. The
most influential leaders in the development of learning, are Behaviorist , B.F.
Skinner and Cognitivist, Jean Piaget .
Through their research and analysis on how learning take place, they
developed concepts and ideas that are widely modeled after . These ideas
and concepts are the stepping stones that altered the field adult education,
training , and instruction.
Behaviorism is a theory based on observables changes that focuses on new
behavior patterns thru structure and repetition. This process focus on the response of the
participant, prompt by an external stimuli and disregards any mental perception. These
patterns of behavior are then measured to determine a final outcome.(A,2)
Behaviorist conclude that this takes place by a conditioning element that the
participant’s response to. Behaviorist determine this by identifying two different types of
Conditioning; Classic and Operant conditioning.
Classic conditioning occurs when a voluntary reflex responds to a stimulus.
Operant conditioning occurs when a responds to a stimulus is reinforced.(A,2)
One of the most influential leader of the theory was B.F. Skinner.
Burrhus Frederic Skinner
(March 20, 1904-August 18, 1990) was one of the
most influential American psychologist, who
contribute to the development of the
Behaviorism theory. He received a PhD from
Harvard in 1931. His main work concentrated on
behavior analysis and the invention of the
operant conditioning chamber.(S,1).
Skinner, developed a series experiments that focus on animals and
human behavior. He invented the operant conditioning or better
known as the Skinner box- a research tool that he developed to
examine behavior in relation to the environment.
One of his well known experiments was the Baby Box that he developed in
order to mechanize the care of a child. This box would maintain
temperature of the baby allowing them to only wear a diaper.(BFS,1)
The Air Crib
Skinner’s Theory:
The air crib was one of his more controversial invention, and was popularly
mischaracterized as cruel and experimental.(W,5)
He concluded that the use of reinforcement techniques could alter the
participant’s response. Derived from Behaviorist, Pavlov’s experiments of
dogs , Skinner elaborated his analysis on applying reinforcement after a
participants response.
His theory prove him right, Skinner was able to influence both education and
as well as psychology. For example the concept of positive reinforcement.
He strongly believe that thru positive reinforcement you could alter/modify
learners response.
Cognitivism is the study of active mental process inside the learner’s mind.
Its is based on the thought process behind the behavior.
This acquired knowledge is formed by abstract symbolism transformed into
mental pictures. These mental pictures are then embedded into our memory
that help develop the learning process. This approach identifies learners as
active participants, constantly structuring new information, ideas, and
concepts.
Although Cognitive Psychology emerged in the late 1950’s and began to take
over as the dominant theory of learning, it wasn’t until the late 19070’s that
cognitive science began to have its influence on instructional design.
One of the most influential leader in the theory of Cognitive Development
was Jean Piaget.
Jean Piaget
Jean Piaget (August 9, 1896-September 17, 1980)
was an influential experimenter and theorists in
the field of child psychology and in the study of
human learning. By age 22, he received his Ph.D.
in Science .(P,4)
Piaget’s Theory
Piaget first began his analysis through
his own children. Through these
observations, he determined; cognitive
development takes in a sequential order.
More importantly, the development took
place in children thru imitation and play.
Today, his theory of cognitive development is used in many of the preschool
and primary settings. Children in these setting are encourage through selfdiscovery and challenge them to try new ideas and concepts.
The Cognitivism plays a major role in the areas of teaching and training. It is
fundamental that instruction is geared to incorporate dynamics that promote
cognitive development. Trainers /facilitators must have an good understanding
of learning domains. Instructional designers must take into consideration this
domain before developing an instruction.
Cognitive
Cognitive Domain
thinking skills, and learning abilities
Affective
Affective Domain
Our attitudes towards learning.
Psychomotor
Psychomotor Domain
Motor skills, fine motor, and writing.
Piaget through his observations, concluded that human learning did not only
occurred by conditioning behaviors ,but that also a mental process took place.
Behaviorism and Cognitivism have contributed to the understanding of
how humans act, think ,and apply knowledge. This brought the need to
understand how learning takes place and how it impacts teaching and
training.
When designing an instruction for an adult education environment, several
factors need to taken into consideration as well.
For example, in teaching a new concept or skill, several key factors come into
question.
What prior knowledge do the learners already have ?
What new skill or procedure must the learner accomplish?
Based on this information the trainer/facilitator will be able to develop an
instruction.
Conclusion
Instructors must have a background knowledge on the learners abilities,
limitations and aptitude towards learning . This will help determine the type
of instruction to designed and implement. The learner’s ability, prior
knowledge, and motivation ,must be taken into consideration to develop an
effective instructional training.
References
Senson, C.(May 1999)Burrhus Frederick Skinner.[On-line]. Available: http//www.muskingum.edu
~psych/psyche/history/skinner.htm.
Abbamondi, Dina, understanding-Behaviorism(15 August2004). [Online]Avaliable:http://www/ettc/net/tech/adult
learning/behavior/htm.
Mergel, B.(May 1998) Instructional Design& Learning Theory.[Online]
Available: http: //wwwusk.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/
brenda.htm.
Prsenell, Faith (May 1999) Jean Piaget.[On-line].http://www/muskingum.edu~psych/
Psycweb.history/piaget.htm.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki?B._F._Skinner.