ISC3701
ASSIGNMENT NO: 02
UNIQUE NUMBER: 789820
DUE DATE: 03/ MAY/ 2023
CONTACT FOR MORE HELP (TUTOR)
+27732808904
1
,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.
Hint: There are differences between learning theories, learning techniques,
and instructional design models. Please be careful when answering this
question.
The three basic theoretical approaches are based on behaviourism, cognitivism,
and constructivism.
These three learning theories differ in how they view knowledge, learning, and
motivation. These factors also have different implications for teaching.
• Behaviorism sees the learner as a tabula rasa – a blank slate. This means
that the learner passively absorbs knowledge from the teacher via responses
to different stimuli.
• Cognitivism believes that knowledge and behavior are learned by comparing
the learner’s previous experiences to new information.
• Constructivism sees learning as a collaborative effort that relies heavily on
social interaction. Thus, learning is a product of your surroundings and your own
mental processing.
Learning Theory Key constructs of the Key differences with the
theory other theories
Behaviourism Behaviourism Surface learning
emphasises behaviour Instructor designs the
that can be observed learning environment.
2
, (Seels &
Glasgow 1998:180).
Seels and
Glasgow also explain
that this
approach focuses on
actions that are
visible rather than
complex or vague
internal processes. In
addition, these
authors attempt to find a
relationship
between a stimulus and
a response.
The well-known
behaviourist BF
Skinner suggested that
learning should be
broken down into small
bits
or steps. Learning is
seen as
“programming,” so
filling in answers
or repetition is important
to bring
about the desired result
(behaviour).
3
ASSIGNMENT NO: 02
UNIQUE NUMBER: 789820
DUE DATE: 03/ MAY/ 2023
CONTACT FOR MORE HELP (TUTOR)
+27732808904
1
,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.
Hint: There are differences between learning theories, learning techniques,
and instructional design models. Please be careful when answering this
question.
The three basic theoretical approaches are based on behaviourism, cognitivism,
and constructivism.
These three learning theories differ in how they view knowledge, learning, and
motivation. These factors also have different implications for teaching.
• Behaviorism sees the learner as a tabula rasa – a blank slate. This means
that the learner passively absorbs knowledge from the teacher via responses
to different stimuli.
• Cognitivism believes that knowledge and behavior are learned by comparing
the learner’s previous experiences to new information.
• Constructivism sees learning as a collaborative effort that relies heavily on
social interaction. Thus, learning is a product of your surroundings and your own
mental processing.
Learning Theory Key constructs of the Key differences with the
theory other theories
Behaviourism Behaviourism Surface learning
emphasises behaviour Instructor designs the
that can be observed learning environment.
2
, (Seels &
Glasgow 1998:180).
Seels and
Glasgow also explain
that this
approach focuses on
actions that are
visible rather than
complex or vague
internal processes. In
addition, these
authors attempt to find a
relationship
between a stimulus and
a response.
The well-known
behaviourist BF
Skinner suggested that
learning should be
broken down into small
bits
or steps. Learning is
seen as
“programming,” so
filling in answers
or repetition is important
to bring
about the desired result
(behaviour).
3
