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Index of Learning Theories and Models

Theories and Models of Learning for Educational Research and Practice. This
knowledge base features learning theories that address how people learn. A resource
useful for scholars of various fields such as educational psychology, instructional
design, and human-computer interaction. Below is the index of learning theories,
grouped in somewhat arbitrary categories. Note that this website is an iterative project
and these entries are a work in progress; please leave comments with suggestions,
corrections, and additional references.
Paradigms:
Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Constructivism
Design-Based
Humanism
Behaviorist Theories:
Behaviorism Overview
Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
GOMS Model (Card, Moran, and Newell)
Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
Cognitivist Theories:
Cognitivism Overview
Assimilation Theory (Ausubel)
Attribution Theory (Weiner)
Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer)
Component Display Theory
Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)
Gestalt Psychology (Tolman)
Mental Models (Johnson-Laird)
Schema Theory
Stage Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

Constructivist, Social, and Situational Theories:

Learning-Theories.com
http://www.learning-theories.com/
Constructivism Overview
Case-Based Learning
Cognitive Apprenticeship (Collins et al.)
Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger)
Discovery Learning (Bruner)
Goal Based Scenarios
Social Development Theory (Vygtosky)
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Situated Learning (Lave)
Motivational and Humanist Theories:
Humanism Overview
ARCS Model of Motivational Design (Keller)
Experiential Learning (Kolb)
Facilitative Teaching (Rogers)
Invitational Learning (Purkey)
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow)
Design Theories and Models (Prescriptive):
Design-Based Research Overview
ADDIE Model of Instructional Design
ARCS Model of Motivational Design (Keller)
Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)
Descriptive and Meta Theories:
Activity Theory (Vygotsky, Leontev, Luria, Engstrom, etc.)
Actor-Network Theory (Latour, Callon)
Distributed Cognition (Hutchins)
Identity Theories:
Eriksons Stages of Development (Erikson)
Identity Status Theory (Marcia)
Self-Theories: Entity and Incremental Theory (Dweck)
Miscellaneous Learning Theories and Models:
Affordance Theory (Gibson)
Multiple Intelligences Theory (Gardner)

Definitions
In reference to the learning theories, models, perspectives listed in this website, here
are some basic definitions that may be helpful to you:
What is a theory?
A general principle that explains or predicts facts, observations or events.
A theory is generally accepted as valid having survived repeated testing.
Note: A theory can never be established beyond all doubt.
What is a model?
A model is a theoretical construct or mental picture that helps one understand
something that cannot easily be observed or experienced directly.

Paradigms
Learning theories tend to fall into one of several perspectives or paradigms, including
behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and others.
Behaviorism
Founders and proponents: John B. Watson in the early 20th century. B.F. Skinner,
Ivan Pavlov, and others.
Basic idea: Stimulus-response. All behavior caused by external stimuli (operant
conditioning). All behavior can be explained without the need to consider internal
mental states or consciousness.
Learner viewed as: Passive, responds to environmental stimuli.
Behavior may result in reinforcement (increased likelihood that behavior will occur in
the future); or punishment.
Cognitivism
Founders and proponents: Replaced behaviorism in 1960s as dominant paradigm.
Noam Chomsky.
Basic idea: Mental function can be understood
Learner viewed as: Information processor
Cognitivism focuses on inner mental activities opening the black box of the
human mind. It is necessary to determine how processes such as thinking,
memory, knowing, and problem-solving occur. People are not programmed
animals that merely respond to environmental stimuli; people are rational beings
whose action are a consequence of thinking.
Metaphor of mind as computer: information comes in, is being processed, and leads
to certain outcomes.

Constructivism
Founders and proponents: John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner, Lev Vygotsky,
others.
Basic idea: Learning is an active, constructive process.
Learner viewed as: Information constructor.
People actively construct or create their own subjective representations of objective
reality. New information is linked to to prior knowledge, thus mental
representations are subjective.
Humanism
Founders and proponents: Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, others.
Basic idea: Learning is a personal act to fulfill ones potential.
Learner viewed as: One with affective and cognitive needs.
Emphasis on the freedom, dignity, and potential of humans.
Learning is student-centered and personal, facilitated by teachers, with the goal of
developing self-actualized people in a cooperative, supportive environment.

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For these topics

Try these theories
Cooperative Learning (teaching strategy)
Social Interdependence Theory
http://www.co-operation.org/pages/social_interdependence.pdf