Learning Theories and Epistemological Perspectives

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering behaviorism, cognitivism, sociocultural theory, situated learning, pragmatism, rationalism vs. empiricism, and Aristotle's forms of knowledge.

Stimulus

Something that influences or triggers a reaction.

Respons (Response)

A reaction to a stimulus.

Klassisk betingning (Classical Conditioning - Pavlov)

Learning to associate or connect two stimuli together.

Obetingat stimulus / OS (Unconditioned Stimulus)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a reaction without prior learning.

Obetingad respons / OR (Unconditioned Response)

A natural reaction to a stimulus.

Neutralt stimulus / NS (Neutral Stimulus)

A stimulus that initially does not evoke the relevant reaction.

Betingat stimulus / BS (Conditioned Stimulus)

A previously neutral stimulus that, through learning, elicits a reaction.

Betingad respons / BR (Conditioned Response)

A learned reaction to a conditioned stimulus.

Operant betingning (Operant Conditioning - Skinner)

A learning model where behaviors are influenced and shaped by their consequences.

Positiv förstärkning (Positive Reinforcement)

Adding something desirable to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Negativ förstärkning (Negative Reinforcement)

Removing something unpleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Positiv bestraffning (Positive Punishment)

Adding something unpleasant to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Negativ bestraffning (Negative Punishment)

Removing something desirable to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Utsläckning (Extinction)

The process whereby a learned response decreases when it is no longer reinforced or maintained.

Effektlagen (Law of Effect - Thorndike)

The principle stating that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences tend to be repeated.

Schema (Piaget)

A mental structure that helps individuals organize and understand the world.

Assimilation

Interpreting and integrating new information into an existing schema.

Ackommodation (Accommodation)

Modifying an existing schema or creating a new schema when new information does not fit.

Disequilibrium

A state of cognitive imbalance that arises when current understanding or schemas are insufficient.

Ekvilibrium (Equilibrium)

A state of cognitive balance achieved when understanding and schemas function effectively.

Konkret operationella stadiet (Concrete Operational Stage)

A developmental stage characterized by logical thinking about concrete situations.

Formellt operationella stadiet (Formal Operational Stage)

A developmental stage characterized by abstract and hypothetical thinking.

Socialt samspel (Social Interaction - Sociocultural Perspective)

Learning through collaboration and communication with other people.

Kulturella redskap (Cultural Tools)

Language, symbols, books, and other instruments that support human thinking and action.

Mediering (Mediation)

The process by which cultural tools convey, shape, and support human thought and activity.

Proximala utvecklingszonen / ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development)

The distance between what a learner can accomplish independently and what they can achieve with guidance and support.

Appropriering (Appropriation)

Adopting and learning how to use cultural tools and knowledge.

Internalisering (Internalization)

The process whereby socially mediated processes become integrated into an individual's own thinking.

Scaffolding (Stöttning)

Temporary instructional support provided to help a learner master a task.

Situerat lärande (Situated Learning - Lave & Wenger)

Learning that takes place within a specific social and practical context.

Praktikgemenskap (Community of Practice)

A group of people who develop knowledge together through shared practice and mutual activity.

Legitimt perifert deltagande (Legitimate Peripheral Participation)

The trajectory where a newcomer starts with limited peripheral involvement and gradually moves toward full participation.

Deltagande (Participation)

Learning by actively taking part in a practice or communal activity.

Situerad kunskap (Situated Knowledge)

Knowledge that is deeply tied to and bound within the context where it is practiced and used.

Överföring av kunskap / Transfer (Transfer of Knowledge)

Applying acquired knowledge to a new situation, task, or environment.

Erfarenhet (Experience - Pragmatism)

What human beings experience and learn through active interaction with the world.

Learning by doing (Dewey)

Learning through direct action, experimentation, and practical work.

Reflektion (Reflection)

Thinking critically through an experience to draw meaningful conclusions.

Vana (Habit)

An established way of thinking or acting that can be developed, refined, or changed over time.

Deliberativa samtal (Deliberative Conversations)

Dialogues where participants listen to differing perspectives and reason together toward well-grounded decisions.

Demokratisk utbildning (Democratic Education)

Education that fosters active participation, collaboration, and collective decision-making.

Rationalism (Descartes)

The epistemological view asserting that reason and logical thinking are the central sources of knowledge.

Empirism (Empiricism - Locke & Hume)

The epistemological view asserting that sensory experience and observation are the primary foundations of knowledge.

Observation

The act of attentively watching or examining something to gather information.

Erfarenhetskunskap (Experiential Knowledge)

Knowledge that is developed and acquired through lived experiences.

Logiskt resonemang (Logical Reasoning)

Drawing valid conclusions by applying structured, systematic thinking.

Episteme (Aristotle)

Theoretical and scientific knowledge — knowing and understanding universal truths and why things are as they are.

Techne (Aristotle)

Practical skill, art, or craft — knowing how to produce or accomplish something.

Fronesis / Phronesis (Aristotle)

Practical wisdom or prudence — the ability to judge and deliberate on what is morally and practically appropriate in concrete situations.