Learning Theories + Theorists

behavorism

learning is explained by changes in a person’s observable behavior that occurs as a result of interaction with their environment

cognitivism

learning is explained as changes in unobservable internal mental processes (thoughts, memory, feelings, motives, etc.) as a result of acquiring or constructing new knowledge

constructivism

form of cognitivism; students learn by constructing their own perspective on the world based on prior knowledge and through new encounters with content, peers, and significant others

Lev Semenovich Vygotsky

developed Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD); believed that child development was directly tied to culture and repetition

Albert Bandura

believed that one’s ability to learn greatly depended on their perception of their own abilities (self-efficacy); people have the capacity of planning and forethought

Howard Gardner

developed Theory of Multiple Intelligences (8 - linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic)

Jean Piaget

developed Theory of Development; sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational

John Dewey

believed students should learn by doing; learning is an active process that connects you to those before and around you