Education Studies 1: How Children Learn

Session Two

Semester One 2013

Key Learning Theories 1:

Behaviourism

Social Learning Theory

Today we are thinking about…..

Setting Ground RulesResponses to pre-course taskKey theories of learning; Behaviourism Social Learning Theory

How theories of learning relate to practice

Ground Rules

How can we all make sure that we make the most of these sessions?

Pre-course Task

• Download, read and annotate the TLRP 10 Principles poster

• What have you learnt from reading and reflecting upon this poster?

• What further action would you like to take based on these principles?

I learn best when…

I am not

hungry!

I have time to discuss ideas with

others

I am motivated by

the subject

I am taught by an

enthusiastic and

passionate teacher

I am working

in a small group

I am working towards a set

goal

I am not just

listening, but also doing

I am given hands on, practical experiences

I have opportunities to be creative

I have positive relationships with my

peers and teachers

I have things to look at

and listen to

Theories of learning

BehaviourismSocial Learning Theory

ConstructivismSocial constructivism

Big questions:How do children acquire knowledge?

What is the adult’s role?What is the child’s role?

Time to reflect….

Think about a key learning experience you have had.

What supported you in the learning process?

Now think about a child’s learning experiences.

What would you say are the key elements which lead to learning for children?

Module Reading Expectations

• Each week you will read, and make notes about, the ‘key’ readings as identified on your module programme

• Your notes can be in any format that works for you: mind map, bullet points, written narrative summary etc..

• During your non-contact time you will meet with your informal reading group to discuss the readings you have engaged with

• We will discuss the key readings in sessions

Reading Feedback

In response to your reading, discuss these questions in your group:

How might you define the ‘behaviourist’ view of learning?What beliefs did Skinner hold about

teaching and learning? What are some of the criticisms of

Skinner’s behaviourist theory in relation to teaching and learning?

Behaviourism

Key Ideas Learning is a behaviour that is shaped by external stimuli

Key IndividualsIvan Pavlov, B F Skinner

Key ConceptsClassical ConditioningOperant Conditioning

ImplicationsPraise / reward systems

Behaviourism (Skinner)

How might this theory be

usefully applied to classroom

teaching? What might the

limitations of such an

approach to teaching and

learning?

Social Learning TheoryKey Ideas

Behaviour is learned through observationKey Individuals

Albert BanduraKey Concepts

Children will imitate the social behaviours that they are exposed toUse of experiments to ‘test’ theories (Bobo Doll)

ImplicationsTeachers are influential role models for childrenChildren imitating one another = need for positive role models

Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

How might Social Learning Theory

inform classroom practice?

What might be the limitations of this theory?

Agree Disagree?

Return to your initial ideas

A key learning experience you have had. A child’s learning experiences.

What can I add to my initial thoughts about learning?

What have I taken from this session?

How does the behaviourist perspective relate to my own experiences of learning?

For Next Time….Focus: Key Learning Theories 2: Constructivist and Social Constructivist perspectives

Reading: Edmond, N. & Evans, E. (2012) “Cognitive Development” in Edmond, N. & Price, M. (Eds) Integrated Working with Children and Young

People, London: Sage Rodd, J. (1996) ‘What is Normal Behaviour’ in Understanding Young

Children’s Behaviour, St Leonards, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin

Questions: “Piaget believed that infants are born predisposed to adapt and learn from their environment” (Rodd, 1996, p.31).

What does this mean?

What is the zone of proximal development?

How do the constructivist (Piaget) and social constructivist (Vygotsky/Bruner) perspectives differ?