What do the learning theories say about how we learn?
This animation explains some of the different theories about how we learn and how they relate to teaching.
These theories have a big influence on how we learn and how our education is structured, so it is important to take time to understand them.
Learning can occur in formal situations, such as a classroom, lecture theatre, or tutorial. It can also occur in informal situations, such as using Google and Youtube to learn how to fix your bike. The Web, social media and smartphones have led to a blurring of the boundaries between the formal and informal, the professional and the personal.
This means we need to assess the relevance of these different learning theories to teaching and learning in the network age.
Overview
| Learning theory | Teaching approach |
|---|---|
| Behaviouralism | Instructionist |
| Cognitive Constructivism | Experiential |
| Social Constructivism | Collaborative Peer Learning |
| Connectivism | Networked Learning |
You will have a chance to investigate these theories and approaches in more detail during the next steps in this activity.
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
