Narrative of Learning Theories in Early Childhood Studies Assignment

This presentation assignment from a student in Early Childhood Studies provides a narrative on the role of learning theories in childhood education. The narrative centers around the student's sister, who initially struggled with mathematics but developed a love for the subject through her teacher's application of various learning theories. The presentation explores three key learning theories: the behaviorist approach, where rote memorization and positive reinforcement were employed; the cognitivist approach, which utilized real-world examples and problem-solving tasks; and the constructivist approach, incorporating brainstorming sessions to build problem-solving skills. The student reflects on how these theories influenced their sister's learning journey, highlighting the importance of understanding the root of learning problems, engaging cognitive functions, and critically analyzing learned concepts. The assignment provides a practical understanding of how different learning theories can be applied to enhance a child's educational experience and foster a positive attitude towards learning.

Early Childhood Studies
A narrative of the role of learning theories in childhood education
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

Introduction
• Learning is an important and integral part of human life and can be
either formal or informal (Manuti et al., 2015).
• There are various theories of learning that help a learner and more
specifically, a child go through the process of learning and acquire
necessary skills in the subject area (Olson, 2015).
• This narrative is based on my sister who was scared of mathematics in
junior high but later came to love it.
• Her love for mathematics developed as her teacher helped her through
the subject using different techniques for her to learn.

Theories of learning
Five main theories of learning (Thompson, 2012)

Background
• Out of us two siblings, I was homeschooled as a child and my sister
went to kindergarten.
• She was terrified of mathematics and almost failed her 3rd standard
examination.
• It was in her 4th grade that her teacher began providing her with private
lessons in mathematics using a few learning theories.

Behaviourist approach (Skinner, 1985)
Behavourism (Schuh & Barab, 2012)

What was done
• This theory was used in order to bring changes to the behaviour in
learning.
• The teacher gave my sister very similar problems and would ask her to
solve them everyday. This was done so that she develops a knack for
practicing math everyday.
• Through rote memorization, she helped my sister overcome her fear of
practising math everyday.
• At the same time, she also used positive comments and reinforcements
to encourage my sister to work harder.

Cognitivist approach (Ertmer & Newby, 1993)

What was done
• This theory was used to facilitate my sister’s internal resources to engage in
simple problem solving tasks.
• The teacher would provide real world examples and engage her problem
solving skills.
• The teacher would pick out problems such as provide grocery shop bills and
would ask her to tally and see which one shows more savings over
discounted prices. This was one of my sister’s favourite tasks.
• The tutor would also give simple real life situations and ask her questions
which she had to use using her own common sense. This increased her power
of acquisition of problems she could on a daily basis, like at shops and other
such places.

Constructivist approach (Steffe & Gale,
1995)

What was done
• This process of learning involves construction of new ideas or
concepts based on pre-existing knowledge.
• The teacher brought in the concept of brainstorming. She would bring
books which were of a considerable higher standard yet still
understandable. Then she and my sister would sit together and
brainstorm till they came up with solutions.
• Brainstorming is a really helpful tool for children and this helped her
build up her thinking and problem solving skills (Fails, Guha & Druin,
2013).

Takeaway
• I realized that behaviourist approach to learning is a very fundamental one that involves
understanding the root of the problem related to learning and modifying the learning style to fit the
requirement of the student. As in the case of my sister, her root problem was the fear of
mathematics which rendered her incapable of dealing with the subject. However when the teacher
made sure that she practices math everyday through simple problems, my sister understands that
mathematics is something that just needs to be a part of your daily routine.
• I also understood that despite a change in behavior towards learning something, a learner benefits
more when their cognitive functions are engaged more. As in the case of my sister, she had
developed a knack for practicing math but her problem solving skills were developed when she
was put through the various tasks that her teacher set for her. In order to solve those tasks, she had
to use her knowledge as well as her common sense.
• Finally, reflecting upon something that is learned and analyzing it critically establishes the
knowledge firmly in the mind. My sister, through her brainstorming sessions with her teacher
developed her problem solving skills which helped her come up with solutions without much help.

References
• Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical
features from an instructional design perspective. Performance improvement quarterly, 6(4), 50-72.
• Fails, J. A., Guha, M. L., & Druin, A. (2013). Methods and techniques for involving children in the design
of new technology for children. Foundations and Trends® in Human–Computer Interaction, 6(2), 85-166.
• Manuti, A., Pastore, S., Scardigno, A. F., Giancaspro, M. L., & Morciano, D. (2015). Formal and informal
learning in the workplace: a research review. International journal of training and development, 19(1), 1-
17.
• Olson, M. H. (2015). Introduction to theories of learning. Routledge.
• Schuh, K. L., & Barab, S. A. (2007). Philosophical perspectives. Handbook of research on educational
communication and technology (3), 67-82, Routledge.
• Skinner, B. F. (1985). Cognitive science and behaviourism. British Journal of psychology, 76(3), 291-301.
• Steffe, L. P., & Gale, J. E. (Eds.). (1995). Constructivism in education (p. 159). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence
Erlbaum.
• Thompson, K. (2012). The five major theories of how people ‘learn’: a synopsis. Retrieved October, 31,
2015.