This is a comprehensive and detailed note that Covers theoretical perspectives on learning, classical and operant conditioning, non-associating learning, observational learning, and cognitive learning.
Lear
ning
Contents
Theoretical perspectives........................................................................................................................1
Associative Learning............................................................................................................................2
Classical Conditioning - type 1 of associative learning...................................................................2
Operant Conditioning - Type 2 of Associative Learning.......................................................................4
NON-ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING................................................................................................................7
Habituation........................................................................................................................................8
Sensitisation......................................................................................................................................8
OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING...................................................................................................................8
Albert Bandura..................................................................................................................................8
Elements of observational learning...................................................................................................9
COGNITIVE LEARNING...........................................................................................................................9
What is leaning?
“a relatively permanent / enduring change in behaviour or knowledge that results from previous
experience with certain stimuli and responses. It’s an adaptive process through which experience
modifies pre-existing behaviours and understanding” (Ciccarelli et al., p 201-203)
- Relatively permanent change in behaviour
- Allows us to adapt to our environment
- Results in physical brain changes
- Brought about by experience or practice
Reflexes
Involuntary response to stimuli
Very fast, reliable (i.e. most people have these) responses controlled by the CNS
Impossible to change, but possible to control when aware of it.
Consciously learned behaviours from the environment
, Theoretical perspectives
1. Humanistic learning theories: Maslow + Carl Rogers
Focuses on the potential for personal growth and development in life.
Self-determined potential: personal growth through personal learning.
Maslow: educator should be a facilitator of learning, not a leader. You should take learning into your
own hands. Superiority of experiential learning over spectator knowledge.
Maslow’s approach of experiential learning was implemented in outcomes-based education
incorporated in SA post-1994.
Emphasises the importance of scientific methodology:
- Belief that only observable behaviours can be scientifically investigated
- Emotions, motivation, and thoughts are considered subjective and therefore cannot be
quantified or measured
If learning has occurred, then some sort of observable external behaviour should be apparent.
Watson believed ‘nurture’ was dominant over ‘nature’.
3. Cognitive learning theories:
Critiques behaviourists for their reductionist approach.
‘What goes on in the mind determines observed behaviour’
How the mind influences behaviour:
- Explains learning by using internal processes such as thinking and memory
- Learning involves cognitive processes and connections from prior learning that can be
applied to new situations. We can adapt because we can remember things we learn.
4. Social Theories:
Learning can be based on the observation and imitation of other people’s behaviour. (Bandura)
Eg: children learn by imitating adults
Perspectives aren’t mutually exclusive. There are very few situations that can be explained by
one theory.
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