ISC3701
ASSIGNMENT 02 – OVERVIEW OF THE
LEARNING THEORY AND LESSON PLANNING
UNIQUE NUMBER: 789820
DUE DATE: 03 MAY 2023, 18:00
Please Note
This document is provided solely for educational purposes. It should not be distributed, reproduced, or
used for any other purpose without prior written consent.
, SECTION 1: OVERVIEW OF THE LEARNING THEORY
1.1 This module introduces you to various learning theories. Name three learning
theories and explain at least three key characteristics of each. (15) Hint: There are
differences between learning theories, learning techniques, and instructional design
models. Please be careful when answering this question.
ANSWER : There are many learning theories, but here are three of the most prominent ones:
1. Behaviorism: Behaviorism is a learning theory that focuses on observable
behaviors rather than mental processes. It posits that learning occurs as a
result of the external stimuli that trigger certain responses or behaviors. Key
characteristics of behaviorism include:
• Reinforcement: A key concept in behaviorism is reinforcement, which refers to
the use of rewards or punishments to increase or decrease the likelihood of a
particular behavior.
• Stimulus-response associations: Behaviorists believe that learning involves
forming associations between stimuli and responses. For example, if a student
learns that raising their hand in class results in the teacher calling on them, they
are more likely to continue raising their hand in the future.
• Drill and practice: Behaviorism often emphasizes drill and practice as a way to
reinforce learning. By repeating a particular behavior or skill, it becomes more
automatic and less subject to conscious thought.
2. Constructivism: Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the role of
the learner in constructing their own knowledge and understanding. It posits
that learning occurs as a result of the learner's interactions with their
environment and their own prior knowledge and experiences. Key
characteristics of constructivism include:
• Active learning: Constructivists believe that learning is an active process that
requires the learner to be engaged in the learning process. This may involve
hands-on activities, group work, or other interactive learning experiences.
• Prior knowledge: Constructivism recognizes the importance of the learner's
prior knowledge and experiences in shaping their understanding of new
information. Teachers are encouraged to build on students' existing knowledge
and help them make connections between what they already know and what
they are learning.
• Multiple perspectives: Constructivism recognizes that there are often multiple
ways to interpret or understand a particular concept. Teachers are encouraged
to provide students with multiple perspectives or viewpoints to help them
develop a more nuanced understanding of the material.
3. Cognitive load theory: Cognitive load theory is a learning theory that focuses
on the role of working memory in learning. It posits that learners have a limited
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ASSIGNMENT 02 – OVERVIEW OF THE
LEARNING THEORY AND LESSON PLANNING
UNIQUE NUMBER: 789820
DUE DATE: 03 MAY 2023, 18:00
Please Note
This document is provided solely for educational purposes. It should not be distributed, reproduced, or
used for any other purpose without prior written consent.
, SECTION 1: OVERVIEW OF THE LEARNING THEORY
1.1 This module introduces you to various learning theories. Name three learning
theories and explain at least three key characteristics of each. (15) Hint: There are
differences between learning theories, learning techniques, and instructional design
models. Please be careful when answering this question.
ANSWER : There are many learning theories, but here are three of the most prominent ones:
1. Behaviorism: Behaviorism is a learning theory that focuses on observable
behaviors rather than mental processes. It posits that learning occurs as a
result of the external stimuli that trigger certain responses or behaviors. Key
characteristics of behaviorism include:
• Reinforcement: A key concept in behaviorism is reinforcement, which refers to
the use of rewards or punishments to increase or decrease the likelihood of a
particular behavior.
• Stimulus-response associations: Behaviorists believe that learning involves
forming associations between stimuli and responses. For example, if a student
learns that raising their hand in class results in the teacher calling on them, they
are more likely to continue raising their hand in the future.
• Drill and practice: Behaviorism often emphasizes drill and practice as a way to
reinforce learning. By repeating a particular behavior or skill, it becomes more
automatic and less subject to conscious thought.
2. Constructivism: Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the role of
the learner in constructing their own knowledge and understanding. It posits
that learning occurs as a result of the learner's interactions with their
environment and their own prior knowledge and experiences. Key
characteristics of constructivism include:
• Active learning: Constructivists believe that learning is an active process that
requires the learner to be engaged in the learning process. This may involve
hands-on activities, group work, or other interactive learning experiences.
• Prior knowledge: Constructivism recognizes the importance of the learner's
prior knowledge and experiences in shaping their understanding of new
information. Teachers are encouraged to build on students' existing knowledge
and help them make connections between what they already know and what
they are learning.
• Multiple perspectives: Constructivism recognizes that there are often multiple
ways to interpret or understand a particular concept. Teachers are encouraged
to provide students with multiple perspectives or viewpoints to help them
develop a more nuanced understanding of the material.
3. Cognitive load theory: Cognitive load theory is a learning theory that focuses
on the role of working memory in learning. It posits that learners have a limited
1|Page
