Learning Theories
Learning
is concerned with increase in knowledge or a higher degree of an existing
skill.
Learning
can be broadly divided into pedagogy and andragogy.
1)
Pedagogy – Teaching / educating children. It is teacher centered / oriented.
2)
Andragogy – Teaching / educating adults. It is participative
Theories of adult
learning
1. Andragogy
2. Reinforcement theory
3. Experiential learning-
4. Cognitive theory
5. Cybernetics and information
a)
Andragogy
Knowles’ theory of andragogy refers to
teaching or education of adults. It focuses more on learning experiences that
are primarily self-directed. It is more participatory rather than teacher
directed. Andragogy means that instruction for adults needs to focus more on
the process and less on the content being taught. Strategies such as case
studies, role-playing and simulations are more useful. Instructors adopt a role
of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer. Adults tend to present themselves
to learning experiences that provides immediate education. Adults learn through
a variety of methods which helps them discover principles that are related to
their daily lives. An adult is motivated to learn when he or she senses a need
is going to be met, a problem is to be solved, curiosity to be satisfied or a
frustration to be relieved.
This
theory emphasizes that adult learning is special in a number of ways, for
example:-
· Adult
learners bring a great deal of experience to the learning environment.
Educators can use this as a resource.
· Adults
expect to have a high degree of influence on what they are to be educated for,
and how they are to be educated.
· The
active participation of learners should be encouraged in designing and
implementing educational programs.
· Adults
need to be able to see applications for new learning
· Adult
learners expect to have a high degree of influence on how learning will be
evaluated.
b)
Reinforcement
theory
This
theory was developed by B.F Skinner. Skinner believed that behavior is a
function of its consequences. The learner will repeat the desired behavior if
positive reinforcement follows the behavior. This is based on the fact that
learners tend to be motivated when commended for successful accomplishment of a
task. Positive feedback and knowledge of results ensures that learning takes
place.
Positive
reinforcement, or “rewards” can include verbal reinforcement such as “That’s
great” or ‘You’re certainly on the right track” through to more tangible
rewards such as a certificate at the end of the course or promotion to a higher
level in an organization.
Negative
reinforcement also strengthens behavior and refers to a situation when a
negative condition is stopped or avoided as a consequence of the behavior.
Punishment, on the other hand, weakens behavior because a negative condition is
introduced or experienced as a consequence of the behavior and teaches the
individual not to repeat the behavior, which was negatively reinforced.
c)
Experiential
Learning
Experiential
learning asserts that there are 4 stages of learning. The process of
experiential learning can begin at any one of the stages but is continuous.
Experiential methods include games, simulations, case studies and role-play.
Learning
is:-
· Through
concrete experience.
· Through
observation and reflection
· Through
abstract conceptualization
· Through
active experimentation
Experiential
learning is equivalent to personal change and growth. All human beings have a
natural propensity to learn, the role of the trainer is to facilitate such
learning. This includes:-
·
Setting a positive climate for
learning.
·
Gaining consensus on the purpose of the
learning
·
Organizing and making available
learning resources.
·
Balancing intellectual and emotional
components of learning.
·
Sharing feelings and thoughts with
learners but not dominating.
d)
Cognitive
theory
This
theory focuses on the mental and intellectual processes pertaining to learning.
This describes the way in which people learn to recognize and define problems
and experiment to find solutions.
According
to this theory, people can discover things for themselves, they are likely to
retain the skill and knowledge and use it when required. The methods used are
case study, discussions, and workshops. It provides the rationale for workshop,
participative and case study training and these help people to find solutions,
rather than something they have been forced to accept by the trainer.
e)
Cybernetics
and information theories
The
basis of this theory lies in the concept of feedback. It suggests that feedback
can control peoples learning and performance and lead to desired standards. It
suggests that learning experiences must provide continuous feedback to the
participant (stimuli) which must be monitored and controlled at all levels.
Learning must be organized from the simplest concept to the most difficult.
Learning is broken down into easily assimilated parts, each part can be learned
by ensuring that trainees concentrate on an easily assimilated part at a time.
This theory is the basis for computer based learning.
Characteristics/principles
of adult learning
Adults
learn best when:
· They
are interested and motivated, i.e. they have a problem to be solved, the
curiosity to be satisfied or the frustration to be resolved.
· The
information is given to them in a logical order or consists of short notes. By
planning training programs so that each successive step, builds on the previous
one, the trainee is able to follow the steps in sequence.
· They
have the opportunity to practice or try out what they have learnt. They know
how well they are doing i.e. when they are getting some feeling of success.
· The
teaching and subject matter are of real in their daily lives; learn to address
a current real problem.
· When
the teacher recognizes that they have some experience and makes use of these
experience in teaching e.g involving them in discussion or explaining their
experiences.
· When
flexible learning programs are created.
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