Essay - Four Learning Theories Introduction Behavioral Learning Theory Information Processing Theory...

Four Learning Theories

Introduction

Behavioral Learning Theory

Information processing theory

Social cognitive theory

Constructivist learning theory

Postulate: Constructivist theory applies best to teaching for the construction trades

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Bibliography

Introduction

This paper covers four learning theories and the descriptors which are associated with each. The paper will discuss behavioral learning theory (operant conditioning), in*****mation processing theory, social cognitive *****, and constructivist learning theory. Each section will discuss the theory, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and give examples of how they are applied.

This author has chosen constructivist theory in a building tr*****des t*****ing environment. After a review ***** the above *****, the ***** will advance the case that constructivist learning ***** best fits the class and ***** author's personal teaching style.

Behavioral Learning Theory

Behavioral ***** theory originated with the work of BF Skinner and Pavlov, who worked respectively with pigeons and dogs to demonstrate ***** theory of ***** conditioning. The "stimulus-response" theory has proven helpful in everything from breaking bad habits (***** behavioral therapy) ***** phobias, ***** improving learning performance.

***** theory advanced by ***** is ***** one learns through changes in behavior. Behavior results due to ***** from stimuli ***** occur in the environment. Sk*****ner found that reinforcing responses ***** ***** can result in learn*****g, and a change in response (Skinner, 1938).

An example ***** the application of ***** learning theory is the reduction in flight phobia—the client's fear of flying. The first element in behavioral learning is to analyze the rational side of the phobia—i.e. why is it that the client fears flying? Is he/she concerned about the plane crashing? Is he/she stressed about the lack ***** control of ***** ********** fate? When faced ***** the ***** explanation ***** "planes don't crash," ***** "you are safer in a plane than in an automobile," the ***** realizes on a rati*****al basis that the fear ***** flying is ungrounded in reason.

The next phase is operant *****. In many cases, this takes place in steps. A client may be asked to sit in an airplane (while on the ground) and have a pleasant discussion. This associates "*****" and "sitting in an airplane," and teaches the client ***** his/her ***** is ungrounded. Once the anxiety has *****en averted in this step, ***** client may then be asked ***** take a short ***** *****, during the flight, eng*****ge in a pleasant activity (talk*****g, playing cards, etc.). The stimulus of the flight is met by a ple*****sant response. This 'operant conditioning' therefore demonstrates a new paradigm to the client.

The advantages ***** operant conditioning for learning are as follows:

1. It is goal-oriented. That is, ***** client is able to get ***** the heart of a problem very quickly, and to treat it in a focused manner.

2. It ***** rapid. Because it focuses on one delimited problem, the therapist can get to the issue with ***** client fairly quickly.

3. It can be performed ***** people who ***** not ***** good read*****g or verbal skills, such ***** children. ***** is because