Learning theories and construction of knowledge

Behaviourism

• Pavlov: classical conditioning, learning by association.
• Thorndike: connectionism and the laws of readiness, exercise and effect (trial and error).
• Skinner: operant conditioning; behaviour followed by reinforcement is repeated.

Social learning

• Bandura: learning by observing and imitating models.

Cognitivism and constructivism

• Piaget: learners construct knowledge through assimilation and accommodation.
• Vygotsky: knowledge is built through social interaction; ZPD and scaffolding.
• Ausubel: meaningful learning; advance organisers link new ideas to existing knowledge.
• Dewey: learning by doing.

Constructivist classroom

Learners are active, build on prior knowledge, work together and solve real problems; the teacher facilitates.