1/8/2015

HOW WE LEARN

Learning is:
An experiential process
Resulting in a relatively
permanent change
Not explained by
temporary states and
maturation and innate
tendencies.

Learning

Learning has taken place if an individual behaves, reacts,

respond as a result of experience in a manner different from
the way he formerly behaved.

Conditions for learning:

Knowledge should be implemented

Change should last for considerable period of time.

It should not be temporary rather it should be permanent.

Definitions: Learning is:

1. a persisting change in human performance or
performance potential . . . (brought) about as a result of
the learners interaction with the
environment
(Driscoll, 1994, pp. 8-9).

2. the relatively permanent change in a persons

knowledge or behavior due to experience (Mayer, 1982, p.
1040).

3.

an enduring change in behavior, or in the

capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results
from practice or other forms of experience (Shuell, 1986, p. 412).

1/8/2015

Theories of LEARNING
Social Learning Theory

Connectionism Theory

Social Learning Theory (SLT)

A. Bandura (1973)
Learning takes place through observation and sensorial experiences
SLT is the basis of the movement against violence in media & video
games

Social Learning Theory

People can learn through observation and direct experience.

It assumes that behavior is a function of consequences. It involves:-

Attention Processes:- People learn from model only when they recognize and
pay attention to its critical feature.

Retention Process:- A models influence will depend on how well the individual
remember the models action after the model is no longer readily available.

Motor Reproduction Processes:- After a person has seen a new behavior by

observing the model the watching must be converted into doing

Social Learning Theory

Learning From Models Albert Bandura
1. Attention: Attend to pertinent clues
2. Retention: Code for memory (store a
visual image) Retain in memory
3. Reproduction: Accurately reproduce
the observed activity
4. Motivation: Possess sufficient
motivation to apply new learning

Social Learning Theory

Research indicates that the following factors influence the strength
of learning from models:
1. How much power the model seems to have
2. How capable the model seems to be
3. How nurturing (caring) the model seems to be
4. How similar the learner perceives self and model
5. How many models the learner observes

Social Learning Theory

Four interrelated processes establish and
strengthen identification with the model:

1. Children want to be like the model

2. Children believe they are like the
model
3. Children experience emotions like
those the model is feeling.
4. Children act like the model.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Through identification, children come to believe they have the same characteristics
as the model.

When they identify with a nurturant and

competent model, children feel pleased and
proud.
When they identify with an inadequate model,
children feel unhappy and insecure.

SLT in the Classroom

Collaborative learning
and group work
Modeling responses and
expectations
Opportunities to observe
experts in action

Critiques of Social Learning Theory

Does not take into account individuality, context, and
experience as mediating factors
Suggests students learn best as passive receivers of
sensory stimuli, as opposed to being active learners
Emotions and motivation not considered important
or connected to learning

1/8/2015

Connectionism Theory
Trial and Error Learning

14

Thorndikes Puzzle Box

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKvNqe8cKU4&feature=player_e
mbedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDujDOLre-8

http://www.child-development-guide.com/edward-thorndike.html

Thorndikes Puzzle Box

Thorndikes Laws
Also called Stimulus-Response learning.
Law of effect A chance act becomes a learned behavior when a
connection is formed between a stimulus (S) and a response (R) that
is rewarded.
Law of exercise the S-R connection is strengthened by use and
weakened with disuse.

Thorndikes Laws (Cont.)

Law of readiness motivation is needed to develop an association or
display changed behavior.
Associative shifting a learned behavior (response) can be shifted
from one stimulus to another.
Once a behavior is learned, the stimulus is gradually changed.
Dog + stand up, then stand up alone.

Factors affecting Learning

The factors that influence learning process can be categorized into two, which are
internal and external factor.
External factors
Environment

Relationship
Context reward/punishment and methods.
Internal factors
Perception

Emotion
Attitude
Ability
Motivation
memory