5th W: Learning Theories

Learning

“Learning involves the acquisition and modification of knowledge skills, strategies, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors” (Schunx, 2000)

Although much of the knowledge about learning was gained through experiments on animals, this does not mean that human learning and animal learning are identical. “Human learning is more complex, elaborate and rapid and typically depends on the use of language.”
Although people agree that learning is important, there are different opinions about its causes, processes and products. Research on learning has produced a number of theories serving as bridges between research and education. In forming these bridges, researchers employ various types of paradigms. Examples are corelational research, experimental research, qualitative research and laboratory and field research.
For assessing learning researchers use different methods like direct observation, written responses, rating by others, self reports, questionnaires etc. However, in fact learning is not assessed directly; rather its products and outcomes are assessed. Some of the critical issues in the study of learning which causes controversy between theoretical perspectives are:
1. How does learning occur?
2. Which Factors influence learning?
3. What is the role of memory?
4. What is the role of motivation/
5. How does transfer occur?
6. Which types of learning does the theory best explain?

Rationalism
Rationalism referes to the idea that knowledge can be derived by reason without the aid of senses. Plato made a distinction between mind and matter. Things that can be sensed like trees and animals do exist but ideas and the like are only in our minds. Descartes and Kant, however, believed that reason acts according to what is received from the world through senses.

Empiricism
Empiricism refers to the idea that experience is the only source of knowledge. Aristotle drew no sharp distinction between mind and matter. In fact he thought that all the ideas in the mind are mainly sourced from the world around us.

Moving to experimentation
In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt initiated a psychological laboratory aiming to establish psychology as a new science. He also founded a journal to report psychological research. Wundt defined psychology as the study of the mind.