Theories of Learning

Theories of Learning

1. Operant Conditioning

   • The use of reinforcement to link correct responses to a stimulus
   • The Stimulus-Response Bond
     • Positive Reinforcement
       • A pleasant stimulus after the correct response
       • Offer praise
       • Offers motivation for the student to use the correct response again
     • Negative Reinforcement
       • Taking away an unpleasant stimulus after the correct response
       • The unpleasant stimulus is usually negative criticism
     • Punishment
       • An unpleasant stimulus to prevent incorrect actions recurring
         • weakening the S-R bond
   • Trial and error learning
   • Manipulates the environment
   • Shapes behaviour using reinforcement
   • A behaviourist theory

2. Observational Learning

   • BANDURA
   • Both acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is learnt by copying
   • FOUR STAGES
     • 1: ATTENTION
       • Focus, watch, observe the 'model'
       • model must be intersting
       • model must be attractive
       • model must be accurate
     • 2: RETENTION
       • Remember
       • Highlight the cues
       • Make sure it's memorbale
       • Make sure it's in bite-size chunks
       • Repeat it, to create the mental image
     • 3: MOTOR REPRODUCTION
       • Anything involving voluntary movement
       • Copying
       • time to practise
       • Start easy then build up
     • 4: MOTIVATION
       • Exciting, achievable but challenging
       • Keep motivation by offering rewards

3. Social Development Theory

   • Learning by association with others
   • Learning from more knowledgeable others
     • Demonstrates values and morals
   • Inter-psychological learning
     • Learning from others externally
   • Intra-psychological learning
     • Learning using others or an MKO to develop knowledge
   • Constructivism
     • Building up learning in stages, based on the current level of performance
     • Zone of proximal development
       • 1: What can I do alone?
       • 2: What can I do with help?
       • 3: What can I not do yet?

4. Insight Learning

   • Using past experience and understanding to solve problems relating to the whole skill
   • A cognitive learning theory
   • Practises should be made to replicate game situations
   • Provide experiences of problem solving
   • Encourages the learner to think for themselves