The Theories
Learning theories have evolved considerably over the past several decades, and this continues. Capturing the essence of learning theories is difficult because they are not static. Fortunately research and though about learning theory continues at an increasing pace. More people are involved and more ideas emerge about learning each month. Much like art and music, contemporary learning theory continues to sprout off in many directions. What was in favor a few years ago, might look and sound dated now. New twists on old themes evolve, but much of the recent work falls within established camps or genres. Once in a while something truly different in substantial ways will appear, but usually it is a matter of something new following from recognized styles. In this website I try to give you a flavor of the major styles or types of learning theories. I do not try to cover the entire field in all its complexity with all its players, such would be monumental. I have selected the major learning theories and the major person or persons within each. Someone covering all of art would likely include Impressionism and maybe Monet, but not all the Impressionist painters. I have done likewise with learning theory. I will be broad and comprehensive in including major theories or major categories of theory, but I will not include everyone within that category.
With this as the backdrop, here are the theories I include:
David Ausubel – Cognitive theory
Albert Bandura – Social learning theory
Jerome Bruner – Constructivist theory
Robert Gagne – Cognitive theory
B.F. Skinner – Behavioral theory
Lev Vygotsky – Social cognition theory
Explore this website to understand the fundamentals of each theory and to see how the different theories can be applied to instruction.