Friday, November 5, 2010

Learning Theory in Early Childhood

Constructivist Theory
"Constructivism is the view that meaningful learning is the active creation of knowledge structures rather than a mere transferring of objective knowledge from one person to another" (Snowman et al, 2009, p.28).

- Meaningful activities need to be planned that incorporate the experiences and interests of the students.
- Appropriate materials are required to be available for young children to play with and manipulate.

Behaviorist Theory
Behavior is shaped and formed through both negative and positive reinforcement. These forms of reinforcement (both positive and negative) encourage for the behavior to occur yet again. Punishment (positive and negative) reduces the likelihood of the behavior reoccurring (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2010).

- Rewards and positive reinforcement such as praise.

21st Century Learning
This is known as the digital age with new technologies emerging all the time. These new technologies are altering the way in which students learn in the classroom (Billington, 2008).

- Interactive whiteboards

Social Learning Theory
Learning occurs through interaction with others and observation of others actions (Merriam & Caffarella, 1991).


References
Billington, J. (2008, Mar 17). 21st century learning matters [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L2XwWq4_BY
Learning Theories Knowledgebase. (2010, November). Behaviorism at learning-theories.com. Retrieved November 4th, 2010 from http://www.learning-theories.com/behaviorism.html
Merriam, S.B. and Caffarella, R. S. (1991). Four perspectives on learning. Retrieved from http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/orientations.html
Snowman, J., Dobozy, E., Scevak, J., Bryer, F., Bartlett, B., & Biehler, R. (2010). Psychology: Applied to teaching. Milton, Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

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