Theories of learning

1. Connectionism: Stimulus –response (S-R) theory:

• Implies learning is an association between the sense impression (stimulus) and the impulse to action (response).
• The basic assumption of (S-R) theories is that the stimulus causes response. Stimulus is situation
• representing the environment. A response is the behavior of a person or organism in relation to the stimulus.
• In practical term S-R theories assume that man’s environment (Stimuli) shapes by his her behavior (response)

1. Learner should be active: S-R theory emphasizes that significance of the learners response and learning by doing still acceptable slogan
2. Frequency of repetition: a person do not learn to ride a bike without some repetitive practice
3. Reinforcement is important: it is generally found that positive reinforcement are to be preferred to negative reinforcement

2. Cognitive theories of learning:

• Cognitive theory disagrees the basic assumption of S-R theory.
• Sometimes this groups of theories referred to as field theories or S-O-R theories.
• S-O-R refers to the relationship between the stimulus (S), the organism (O) and the response (R).
• This theory states that it is the men’s’ perception or understanding of the stimulus that shapes the behavior not the stimulus alone.
• His/her perception of stimulus may be influenced by his/her motivation, needs, goals and previous learning.

Basic concept of cognitive theories of learning

1. The perceptual features according to which the problems is displayed to the learners are important condition of learning
2. Organization of knowledge is important on the part of the teacher
3. Cognitive feedback confirms correct knowledge and correct faulty learning
4. Learning with understanding is more permanent and more transferable than repetition learning or learning by formulae

3. Conditioning behaviorism theory of learning:

• According to this theory, the behavior which instrumental in obtaining something tend to persist and will be attempted again and again.
• A good example of this theory can be sighted that a person learns quickly because he need money and money can be used to obtained many things, behavior that result in obtaining money tend to be repeated.
• Learning is defined by the outward expression of new behaviors.

4. Field theory of learning:

• Lewin viewed the social environment as a dynamic field which impacted in an interactive way with human consciousness.
• Adjust elements of the social environment and particular types of psychological experience predictably follow on.
• In turn, the person’s psychological state influences the social field or situation.
• This means that one’s behavior is related both to one’s personal characteristics and to the social situation in which one finds oneself.
• In Lewin’s words, ‘to understand or to predict behavior, the person and his environment have to be considered as one constellation of interdependent factors’ .Thus, the notion of ‘field’ refers to:

(a) all aspects of individuals in relationship with their surroundings and conditions;

(b) that apparently influence the particular behaviors and developments of concern;

(c) at a particular point in time.

5. Motivational theories of learning:

• Motivation theory states that it is a person motives that lead him to certain activity and finally learning happens.
• There are two fundamental components of motivation; a need state and goal or external stimulus which tend to satisfy that need.
• A person will be motivated to work Hard to learn if he/she will get satisfaction by learning a particular activity