Learning Theories

Abstract

In this investigation, the brief background of learning theories is discussed under the heading of introduction. Behaviorism, constructive and cognitive theories are discussed in the study. The scenario of “Nathan the gymnast” is associated with all the theories. It has been identified in this investigation, that the learning of an individual is based on reward and punishment, past experience and totality. Constructive theory of learning is highly associated with this scenario, because the learning of Nathan is based on past experience and observation. I have identified that; “Nathan the gymnast” exercise learning can be auxiliary inclined if the trainers follow the learning theories appropriately.

Learning Theories

Introduction

The term learning is associated with acquiring knowledge and skills, from external and internal sources. The skills and knowledge are acquired from the combination of environmental, cognitive and emotional influencers. According to Hill (2002), there are two chief values of learning. In this investigation, I will integrate learning theories with the provided scenario of “Nathan the gymnast”. He is a child, who was fascinated by Olympics in his third grade and instantly wished to become a gymnast.

Discussion

Behaviorism theory

The term “behaviorism” is coined by a highly qualified personality named John Watson. This theory is accepted globally, which is entirely based on “stimulus-response” principal. The theory of behaviorism is associated with development theory, which mainly focuses on observing learner behavior through their response towards stimulus (William, 1994). The response which an individual give is based on negative and positive feedback. The behaviorism believes that new behavior is the cause of conditioning.

Reflection with Nathan scenario

There is a concept of operant conditioning which has been proposed by behaviorist. The reaction on certain stimulus, might behave in two ways reinforcement and punishment. It has been found that Nathan liked floor exercises, running, jumping and tumbling. His least favorite exercise is pommel horsing. He is continuously supported by trainers and parents to master this exercise, by offering different rewards. At the competition of first year Nathan, was not able to win the competition, but he was motivated by participation and T-shirt (Reward/ operant conditioning). Before the second year competition, Nathan parents assigned him a minimum target in the pommel horse to get video game in reward. This scenario clearly reflects operant conditioning, which dictates that individual learning is based on rewards and punishment.

Here in this scenario, behaviorism theory is associated with classical conditioning. Nathan is not good at pommel horsing; the parents and trainers are escalating the learning of Nathan by offering different rewards.

Cognitive theory

The concept of cognitive has come from the origin of Gestalt psychology. The main theme of this theory is as follows

The reality and perception are two distinctive things. It might include optical illusions.

This psychology believes in totality rather than small parts.

The structure of an individual is based on organized experience. In Gestalt term it means “structured whole”.

The theory main focus is in totality. Gestalt psychologist believes that the learning of an individual as a whole is greater than some of its ...