Other Psychological Approaches
While most discussion in education and educational technology lends itself to including mainly the big three psychological perspectives in learning theory (Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism), newer and lesser known psychological approaches to learning are very real and applicable, especially in emergent trends in education and educational technology, and should be considered when discussion learning theories.
Constructionism
Constructionism is a learning theory inspired by constructivism and some of Jean Piaget's ideas. This theory is based on the principle that meaningful learning occurs when individuals actively construct things in real world. The concept of Constructionism originated with Seymour Papert, who believed that the most effective learning occurs when the learner constructs something that is meaningful to himself or herself. Essentially, learners do not get ideas from their teachers. Rather, they create their own ideas facilitated by their own building of "artifacts" that illustrate their learning and meaning and subsequent reflections, almost always in collaboration with their peers, on those artifacts. Students have taken ownership over their learning and their artifacts.
If this sounds familiar, the concept of this entire website as a digital artifact (that has also been posted publically on the internet for reflective feedback and among peers in the doctoral cohort) is an example of Constructionism. Furthermore, online education promotes Constructionism as well. In fact, Moodle even says as much in their educational philosophy (which can be accessed at http://docs.moodle.org/23/en/Philosophy).
[Seymour Papert is a leader in educational technology theory from the 1970s to present day. He is a must-read for all educational technology experts and enthusiasts. You can access the majority of his work at www.papert.org.]
If this sounds familiar, the concept of this entire website as a digital artifact (that has also been posted publically on the internet for reflective feedback and among peers in the doctoral cohort) is an example of Constructionism. Furthermore, online education promotes Constructionism as well. In fact, Moodle even says as much in their educational philosophy (which can be accessed at http://docs.moodle.org/23/en/Philosophy).
[Seymour Papert is a leader in educational technology theory from the 1970s to present day. He is a must-read for all educational technology experts and enthusiasts. You can access the majority of his work at www.papert.org.]
Situativity
Situativity (also known as situated learning) has been championed in the work of Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger and builds on cognitivist and constructivist theories It’s about the whole person learning in real world contexts with the help of others. Often that help from others comes from in the form of a community of practice, or a group of people who share a passion or interest and engage in activities to share knowledge and to learn from each others. A community of practice contains both novices and masters, but no one member's input is more valuable. All members share in the learning and teaching, cyclying through the roles as knowledge is gained.
In other words, situativity is a form of social group "informal" learning.
Applying situated learning to instructional technology is probably best expressed in the countless examples of forums available online for shared interest groups. From politicis to the SIMs to everything in between technology makes it possible for disparate individuals with shared interests to share knowledge in a community of practice.
In other words, situativity is a form of social group "informal" learning.
Applying situated learning to instructional technology is probably best expressed in the countless examples of forums available online for shared interest groups. From politicis to the SIMs to everything in between technology makes it possible for disparate individuals with shared interests to share knowledge in a community of practice.
Humanism
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
The basic idea behind Humanism, as supported by Abraham Maslow, as a learning theory is that learning is a personal act meant to fulfill one's potential. Learning is student-centered and personal, facilitated by teachers, with the goal of developing self-actualized people in a cooperative, supportive environment.
Humanists also believe that it is necessary to study the person as a whole, especially as an individual grows and develops. It follows that the study of the self, motivation, and goals are areas of particular interest.
Humanists also believe that it is necessary to study the person as a whole, especially as an individual grows and develops. It follows that the study of the self, motivation, and goals are areas of particular interest.
Image Credits
Communication [Situated Learning]. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://kim-tran.wikispaces.com/Situated+Learning+Theory
Constructivist Child. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://misseliza123.blogspot.com/2011/04/mid-semester-statement-through-readings.html
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved September 30, 2012 from:
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/teaching/understandmaslow.html
http://kim-tran.wikispaces.com/Situated+Learning+Theory
Constructivist Child. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://misseliza123.blogspot.com/2011/04/mid-semester-statement-through-readings.html
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved September 30, 2012 from:
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/teaching/understandmaslow.html