Learning Theories
Information Processing Theory,
Constructivist Theory,
And
Behaviorist Theory
By: Lauren Schiazza
Learning Theories
Information
Processing Theory
Constructivist Theory
Behaviorist Theory
People learn by
chunking
information,
rehearsal,
organization,
elaborating,
imagery, and
schema
Learners construct new
ideas based off
past/current knowledge
and experiences
Learn by cause and
effect
Use computers and
inspiration software
to help students
outline and make
concept maps
Computers to foster
creativity, visual
formats, multi-media for
projects
Use educational
software to find
weaknesses,
develop
prerequisite skills,
and get immediate
feedback
Can be modified by
reinforcement
Information Processing
Theory
• By: George A. Miller
• Chunking
– Short term memory can
only hold 5-9 chunks of
information
• Test-Operate-Test-Exit
– Operation is performed
to achieve goal
– Planning is important
Constructivist Theory
• By: J. Bruner
• Instruction
– All knowledge comes
from experiences in
the world
– Must be structured
– Must be designed to
fill gaps
• Learning occurs when
students construct the
building blocks for
learning in meaningful
situations
Behaviorist Theory
• By: B.F.Skinner
• Changes in behavior are from
individual responses to events
that occur in the environment
• Reinforcement
– Positive reinforcement
• Strengthens desired
response
• Good grades, verbal
praise
– Negative reinforcement
• Results in increased
frequency when
withdrawn
• Annoying light in car
when seat belt is not on
Technologies
• Technologies can increase the learning theories by:
– Constructivist Theory
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problem oriented
visual formats/ mental models
rich, complex environments
real-world like situations
cooperative learning
exploration
teams/ groups
authentic assessment/ demonstrate knowledge in
more realistic manner
• Portfolios
Technologies
• Constructivist Technologies
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computers to foster creativity
problem solving/ multi media software(how they think)
visual formats ( more meaningful learning)
multi media student created presentations (power point),
cooperative
– sound images and video
• Behaviorism and Information Processing Theories
– Directed instruction/ teacher centered
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educational software/ identify weakness
drill and practice
develop prerequisite skills
supplement instruction for highly motivated/ watch videos/ tech
projects
• assess learners/ time saving/ assess mastery
• multi media/ content/ video/ graphics
What to use?
• Great Technologies to use in the
classroom
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Computers
Power point
Inspiration software
Internet
Dreamweaver
Multi-media
Hyperlinks and
Resources
• http://tip.psychology.org/miller.ht
ml
• http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.h
tml
• http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.
html