The influence of learning theories on the method of 'instruction'

(Photo: Some doctoral students from Prince of Songkhla University, Phuket, visiting us in Hong Kong during their studies at PolyU...in front of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant)

How does learning theory affect the way we teach, and the methods and materials we use? A fairly simple description to help me see how they influence learning design, starting with Behaviourist learning theory, with its focuses on repetition and positive reinforcement. This theory has influenced many computer-based training courses, and takes a fairly linear learning approach to training course design. Behaviourism is perhaps the most influential theory of the 20th century (though it was used by Aristotle and others over the last couple of millenia too!)

Cognitivism, influenced by Bruner (Discovery Learning) and Vygotsky (Zone of Proximal Development) emphasizes exploration and problem solving, where the learners set their own learning goals, and teachers facilitate the learning and provide the environment for discovery. This theory has emerged in the age of distance learning and online learning and owes something to Socrates and other great thinkers.

Constructivism, influenced by John Dewey and Malcolm Knowles, among others, suggests that knowledge is socially constructed, interactive and dialogic. Constructivism sees teachers as only one component of the learning process, other students and the individual themselves create their own education, as they draw on prior knowledge and assimilate this with new information. The teacher becomes the guide and co-learner with the students.

Finally, an interesting learning theory put forward by George Siemens, and what he calls Connectivism. Connectivism which is learning, through the use of technology and social networks, which combines elements of other learning theories, social structures and technology to create a theoretical construct for learning in the 21st century. Our learning is continually evolving and changing as it is influenced by technology and networks.