Compare and Contrast Two Theories of Learning and Their Possible Effects on the Learning Process
Early childhood development and the way in which children learn has been extensively analysed by a range of educational theorists for several years. These theorists each have their own views on how humans learn and develop, but they will all fall under one of the three ‘schools of thought’ which consist of humanist, cognitivist and behaviourist theories. The purpose of this essay is to introduce just two of these theorists and to compare their theories in relation to the learning process. It is also important to consider how this has affected education todayand whether aspects of the theories have been adopted in modern schools.
When studying the theories behind learning and development, it is appropriate to initially identify the biological way humans store information. Learning begins with perception of the information provided, based on personal views and past experiences. It could be argued that a person’s perceptual ability relies on their previous understanding of a topic. All five senses are used to interpret, though it is most common to initially process the material using the visual sense. Once the perception is determined, the information is stored using memory. There are two types of memory which are both utilised during learning. The short term memory stores facts and information in small stages but does not retain everything. The long term memory then subconsciously decides what is most important to retain. Both the short term and long term memory are needed in order to learn but even scientists cannot confirm why it is so easy to forget information. Petty (2009) maintains that forgetting and remembering are ‘not under direct conscious control; they are automatic’. A strong stimulus such as colour, light or sound often improves the process of memory as it is something to relate back to. This could explain why it is often easier to remember stimulating experiences such as music festivals and films but harder to relate back to telephone
When studying the theories behind learning and development, it is appropriate to initially identify the biological way humans store information. Learning begins with perception of the information provided, based on personal views and past experiences. It could be argued that a person’s perceptual ability relies on their previous understanding of a topic. All five senses are used to interpret, though it is most common to initially process the material using the visual sense. Once the perception is determined, the information is stored using memory. There are two types of memory which are both utilised during learning. The short term memory stores facts and information in small stages but does not retain everything. The long term memory then subconsciously decides what is most important to retain. Both the short term and long term memory are needed in order to learn but even scientists cannot confirm why it is so easy to forget information. Petty (2009) maintains that forgetting and remembering are ‘not under direct conscious control; they are automatic’. A strong stimulus such as colour, light or sound often improves the process of memory as it is something to relate back to. This could explain why it is often easier to remember stimulating experiences such as music festivals and films but harder to relate back to telephone