Learning Theories: Behaviorist, Cognitive, and Social Paradigms

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of various learning theories, including behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivist paradigms, and their application in educational settings. The essay begins with an analysis of a learning event, using the example of first-grade students in an American school identifying photos and associating them with places around the world. It then explores the critical features of each learning paradigm, highlighting their core principles and differences. The essay further examines the alignment of online learning tools with these theories, providing examples such as flipped classrooms and blogs. Finally, it evaluates motivation and self-regulation theories within the context of education, discussing their significance in enhancing student learning and performance. References are provided to support the arguments and concepts presented.

Running head: LEARNING THEORIES
Learning theories
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1LEARNING THEORIES
Table of Contents
Analysis of a learning event............................................................................................................2
Behaviorist...................................................................................................................................2
Cognitive......................................................................................................................................2
Constructivist...............................................................................................................................2
Critical features of behaviorist paradigm of learning......................................................................2
Critical features of cognitive paradigm of learning.........................................................................3
Critical features of social paradigm of learning..............................................................................3
Aligning of online learning tools.....................................................................................................4
Behaviorist...................................................................................................................................4
Cognitive......................................................................................................................................4
Constructivist...............................................................................................................................4
Evaluation of motivation and self-regulation theories.....................................................................5
References:......................................................................................................................................6

2LEARNING THEORIES
Analysis of a learning event
In ABC school situated in the United States of America, the children of the first standard
were given the task of understanding the photos which were presented to them. They had to
identify the photos and associate them with the places in where they are found in the world.
Behaviorist
Within this paradigm of learning, the photos need to be shown to the students in their
material form. They would act as a stimuli whereby the student would be able to identify them
and associate them accordingly (Illeris, 2018).
Cognitive
The cognitive paradigm of learning requires the student to understand what is being
presented to them. The internal and the external factors which are presented to the students have
to be taken in to consideration while evaluating the learning process when this theory is being
adhered to (Pritchard, 2017).
Constructivist
The constructivist learning theory includes the acquiring of knowledge. The photos
presented to the students can be identified by them if they have been so taught by their respective
teachers. In other words, the success of this learning theory is dependent on the amount of
information which is already divulged to the students in the beginning (Anderson, 2016).

3LEARNING THEORIES
Critical features of behaviorist paradigm of learning
The behaviorist paradigm of learning is of the opinion that the behaviors which are
inculcated by an individual through the form of interaction. Such interactions may occur with the
various elements of the environment or with other individuals of the society (Harasim, 2017).
One of the critical feature of the behaviorist paradigm of learning is that the aspect of
behaviorism is primarily found to be concerned with that of observable behaviors (Harasim,
2017). They do not take in to consideration anything internal like that of emotions and thinking.
This shows that the issue of behaviorism mainly deals with the objective reality.
Critical features of cognitive paradigm of learning
The cognitive paradigm of learning includes within itself the aspect of internal learning.
The information which is presented to the individuals are processed by them in an internal
manner. This processed information aids them to identify the reality which surrounds them
(Sink, 2014).
One of the critical features of the cognitive paradigm of learning is that it lays more focus
on the issue of mental process rather than on the aspect of observable behavior (Sink, 2014). As
a result, within this field of learning, the concepts are linked with one another so that a new
concept is evolved.
Critical features of social paradigm of learning
The social or the constructivist paradigm of learning states that the process of learning
includes within itself the construction of new ideas and new concepts which are based on the
prior experience or knowledge (Harasim, 2018). The knowledge which is acquired by the

4LEARNING THEORIES
students aids them to formulate their own mental models which further enables them to make
sense of their daily experiences.
One of the critical features of this social paradigm of learning is that it is essentially used
to prepare the individuals to solve the various problems which are presented to them (Harasim,
2018). Thus, in order to be successful, the student needs to have quality knowledge on the issue
so that they can interpret them and create new ideas.
Aligning of online learning tools
With the turn of the twenty first century, the digital platform is used extensively to aid the
people in their education and work life. In this context, several online learning tools have
developed which helps the individuals to attain knowledge in a more efficient manner.
Behaviorist
For the application of the behaviorist learning approach, the flipped classroom model of
learning tool can be used. The TEDed model within this consist of certain original lessons which
are animated by the teachers ("Best Tools for Online Learning | Education World", 2020). After
the completion of each lesson, the students are asked to give a short quiz which evaluates the
extent to which they have been able to retain the information. Furthermore, they are also
motivated to dig deeper in the form of additional exploration.
Cognitive
The cognitive form of learning approach requires the use of internal forces more than the
external forces. In this regard, the various online tools which would aid the students to develop
on this kind of online learning tool is that of Kidblog. Kidblog is a blended learning model where
a platform is provided to the students to post their own blogs ("Best Tools for Online Learning |

5LEARNING THEORIES
Education World", 2020). For instance, a student can be encouraged to watch a particular video
and then they can be asked to comment on the video. This would enable the etchers to
understand the way the video has been perceived by the different students.
Constructivist
One of the most effective learning tools which is used to aid in the constructivist learning
approach is that of simulations. This learning approach is meant to aid in assisting in problem
solving. The stimulations would provide complex problem to the students which they would be
required to solve ("Best Tools for Online Learning | Education World", 2020). The resolution of
such problems would aid them to develop their critical thinking ability which is needed in order
to deal with the real life issues.
Evaluation of motivation and self-regulation theories
The motivation theory is essential for the field of education. In order to ensure that the
students are able to prioritize their lives in a better manner, a direct and more energized behavior
is under taken in order to motivate them. One of the important theories of motivation os that of
Maslow and his hierarchy needs model.
On the other hand, the self-regulation models are more internal in character. Such
theories are meant to inspire the students to take matters in their own hands where a mechanism
of conscious personal management is undertaken in order to bring about the change. The aim is
to guide the thoughts, feelings and behavior of an individual to the extent that the ultimate goal is
achieved.

6LEARNING THEORIES
References:
Anderson, T. (2016). Theories for learning with emerging technologies. Emergence and
innovation in digital learning: Foundations and applications, 35-50.
Best Tools for Online Learning | Education World. (2020). Retrieved 5 January 2020, from
https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/favorite-tools-for-online-learning.shtml
Driscoll, M. P. (1994). Psychology of learning for instruction. Allyn & Bacon.
Harasim, L. (2017). Learning theory and online technologies. Routledge.
Harasim, L. (2018). Learning Theories: The Role of Epistemology, Science, and
Technology. Learning, Design, and Technology: An International Compendium of
Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 1-39.
Illeris, K. (Ed.). (2018). Contemporary theories of learning: learning theorists... in their own
words. Routledge.
Pritchard, A. (2017). Ways of learning: Learning theories for the classroom. Routledge.
Sink, D. L. (2014). Design models and learning theories for adults. American Society for
Training and Development.