Learning Theories and Educational Psychology

What the page covers

The resources compare the main ways of explaining how people learn. Many are mind maps, so you can see each theory as a branching outline. Topics include behaviourism, cognitive models, constructivism, social development theory, learning styles and the domains of learning.

Where to start

Begin with the overview maps. The Educational Paradigms map sets out the constructivist, cognitive, behavioural and environmentalist paradigms side by side. The Learning theories interconnections flowchart shows how they relate. Then the Learning Theories Flashcards deck asks which theory a set of principles belongs to, such as conditioning, a passive learner or a teacher at the centre.

Going deeper by theorist

• The Jerome Bruner map covers his life and his view of how children reach their full potential.
• The Social Constructivism map explains the zone of proximal development, scaffolding and social interaction, with classroom examples such as buddy reading.
• The Authentic Learning map focuses on real-world problems and learning by doing.
• Notes on Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory and on Bandura's social learning theory sit alongside these.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. The Social Constructivism Questionnaire by Vygotsky asks what the zone of proximal development is and what it aims to do. The Neuroteach quiz takes true-or-false statements about neuroscience and praise, and the Neuromyths in Education flashcards pair well with it. If you are preparing for the Praxis PLT, look for the Praxis PLT 7-12 flashcards and the two PLT quizzes. Return to any map where you slip up.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Learning and Development strand of Education and pedagogy. It supports teaching methods and curriculum work by explaining the ideas behind them. Choose one theory this week, work through its map and quiz, and then build your own flashcards to keep it fresh.