ISC3701 ASSIGNMENT 02 S1 2023 – UNIQUE # 789820
Instructional Studies in Context
ISC3701
Assignment 02 S1 2023 - Unique # 789820
SECTION 1
1.1 This module introduces you to various learning theories. Name three learning
theories and explain at least three key characteristics of each.
A learning theory is defined as a set of different concepts that observe, describe,
explain, and guide the learning process of people and everything that relates to this
process.
Although there are various approaches to learning, three learning theories continue to
be highly-recognized namely behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Each of
them has its distinct characteristics.
Behavioural learning theory
Behaviourism states all stimuli are followed by a response based on the environment in
which the individual is. Behaviourism sees the learner as a blank slate. This means that
the learner passively absorbs knowledge from the teacher via responses to different
stimuli. Learning can be explained from observable events related to the behaviour and
the context in which learning occurs. Studies concerning behavioural theory are based
on experimental psychology.
Behaviourism emphasises behaviour that can be observed (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. Behaviourism focuses on
the idea that all behaviours are learned through interaction with the environment
Characteristics of behaviourism learning theory
Behaviourism learning is a social learning
1
, ISC3701 ASSIGNMENT 02 S1 2023 – UNIQUE # 789820
Social learning also called observational learning.- Learning involves
observation, extraction of information from those observation and making
decisions about the performance of the behaviour
Watch and learn!
Children learning to adapt into shaping their behaviour by viewing their parents
as an idol and that’s how it resembles observation learning
Cognitive theory
Cognitivism believes that knowledge and behaviour are learned by comparing the
learner’s previous experiences to new information. Cognitivism studies how the mind
interprets, processes, and hand stores information in memory. Its foundation lies in
obtaining learning from childhood, proposing that children have an orderly structure for
information processing. In this theory, individuals are an active entity in their learning
process.
Seels and Glasgow (1998:181) describe cognitive psychology as focusing on the
organization of memory and thinking, and view the mind as an information-processing
system. These authors are interested in processes such as comprehension and
problem-solving.
Characteristics of Cognitive theory:
Cognitive Learning Theory uses metacognition—“thinking about thinking”—to
understand how thought processes influence learning.
Cognition involves perception, attention, and memory.
Cognitive theory seeks to understand human learning, socialization, and
behaviour by looking at the brain's internal cognitive processes.
Constructivist theory
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. Constructivism indicates learning is not obtained passively but actively. As
a consequence, knowledge is a construction of the human being as a product of its
2
Instructional Studies in Context
ISC3701
Assignment 02 S1 2023 - Unique # 789820
SECTION 1
1.1 This module introduces you to various learning theories. Name three learning
theories and explain at least three key characteristics of each.
A learning theory is defined as a set of different concepts that observe, describe,
explain, and guide the learning process of people and everything that relates to this
process.
Although there are various approaches to learning, three learning theories continue to
be highly-recognized namely behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Each of
them has its distinct characteristics.
Behavioural learning theory
Behaviourism states all stimuli are followed by a response based on the environment in
which the individual is. Behaviourism sees the learner as a blank slate. This means that
the learner passively absorbs knowledge from the teacher via responses to different
stimuli. Learning can be explained from observable events related to the behaviour and
the context in which learning occurs. Studies concerning behavioural theory are based
on experimental psychology.
Behaviourism emphasises behaviour that can be observed (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. Behaviourism focuses on
the idea that all behaviours are learned through interaction with the environment
Characteristics of behaviourism learning theory
Behaviourism learning is a social learning
1
, ISC3701 ASSIGNMENT 02 S1 2023 – UNIQUE # 789820
Social learning also called observational learning.- Learning involves
observation, extraction of information from those observation and making
decisions about the performance of the behaviour
Watch and learn!
Children learning to adapt into shaping their behaviour by viewing their parents
as an idol and that’s how it resembles observation learning
Cognitive theory
Cognitivism believes that knowledge and behaviour are learned by comparing the
learner’s previous experiences to new information. Cognitivism studies how the mind
interprets, processes, and hand stores information in memory. Its foundation lies in
obtaining learning from childhood, proposing that children have an orderly structure for
information processing. In this theory, individuals are an active entity in their learning
process.
Seels and Glasgow (1998:181) describe cognitive psychology as focusing on the
organization of memory and thinking, and view the mind as an information-processing
system. These authors are interested in processes such as comprehension and
problem-solving.
Characteristics of Cognitive theory:
Cognitive Learning Theory uses metacognition—“thinking about thinking”—to
understand how thought processes influence learning.
Cognition involves perception, attention, and memory.
Cognitive theory seeks to understand human learning, socialization, and
behaviour by looking at the brain's internal cognitive processes.
Constructivist theory
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. Constructivism indicates learning is not obtained passively but actively. As
a consequence, knowledge is a construction of the human being as a product of its
2
