Three Big Questions: What is Learning?

Brady Newton, Jodi Thompson

September 20, 2018
EDUC 3502 Section LM
Mr. Riley Kostek
 To answer the question What is learning? there are many different theorists ideas that

can be explored. The ideas on learning from Jean Piaget, Erick Erickson, Lev Vygotsky, B.F.

Skinner and Albert Bandura have proved it to be extremely clear that learning has no true

definition. Instead, it is viewed as something in which can be achieved through a variety of

means. These various practices in which learning revolves around can be seen in all aspects

of the classroom and can greatly influence the knowledge an individual will gain. The

dynamic perspective of learning is truly significant as it includes a variety of aspects within

one’s life such as, personal identity, right versus wrong, and many more. No matter what

perspective of learning one favors, it is clear that students will gather knowledge through a

multitude of sources. In the following page we examined the five theorists and their various

ideas on the definition of learning. It is evident to see that each of the five have a unique

idea of learning that is applicable in the classroom setting.

Example: A Grade 1 student doesn't know
what a butterfly is, they think that everything
small that flies is a bird. The teacher reads
the class a book on butterflies and they hatch
them in their classroom. Now the student
understands the difference between a bird
and a butterfly.
The belief that learning is a sequance of
continously updating our current
knowledge.
Jean Piaget
With the influence of external
factors, behaviour is altered in
B.F. Skinner order to positively or negatively
affect learning.
Example: When sitting on the carpet for
storytime in grade 1, we would be required
to stay quiet and put our hands up and
whenever we wanted to speak.
Sometimes the teacher would praise the
children and say prases such as "Good
job!" The students feel accomplisehd after
this positive response and will be more
likely to sit still during following carpet
activities.

Example: Within my ed 2500 practicum I

observed a student that struggled with
reading and writing skills, causing him to
feel inferior and leading to minimal The idea that learning is developed
participation throughout class. It is though the settlement of Erick Erickson
psychosocial tensions.
important to ensure that student recieves WHAT IS LEARNING?
constant encouragement in order to feel
competent.

Example: If there is a substitute teacher that

Example:During my kindergarten class
our teacher provided guided learning
while understadning the
pronounciation of sounds. This
assistance allowed us to develop the
necassry skills needed to work on our
own with no guidance.
With gudiance and direct instruction
studetns will gain the necassry skills to
improve learning.
People observe everyone around
them and if these actions catch
Albert Bandura their interests they tend to mimic
what they saw.
Lev Vygotsky
doesn't know how to effectively deal with the
disruptive students others may join in because they
see that teacher doesn't know how to control them.
Next time there is a substitute teacher more
students may join in and be disruptive becasue
they saw their peers do it and get away with it last
time, while others may not join in at all.