How Do We Learn?

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how people learn new skills, develop habits, or remember information? Psychologists have spent decades trying to answer this question. In this WebQuest, you will explore three major learning theories:

  • Behaviorism
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Social Cognitive Theory

By the end, you will be able to compare how each theory explains learning and decide which one best fits your learning style!

Task

You will work in pairs (or individually) to:

  • Research each learning theory using the resources provided.
  • Complete a comparison chart explaining how each theory views learning.
  • Create a final product (choose ONE):
    • Infographic
    • Short video presentation
    • Classroom poster
    • Skit portraying the three theories
  • Present your understanding to the class or submit your product.
Process

Step 1: Research

Use the sources below.

Behaviorism

Cognitive Psychology

Social Cognitive Theory

 

Step 2: Comparison Chart

Theory What Causes Learning? Key People Classroom Example Tools/Techniques Used
Behaviorism        
Cognitive        
Social Cognitive        

 

Step 3: Choose your Final Product

Pick one creative option:

  • Infographic
    • Create  a digital or paper infographic comparing the theories.
  • Video (2-5 min)
    • Explain each theory with examples (can act it out or narrate).
  • Poster
    • Design a classroom poster showing how learning happens in each theory.
  • Mini-Skit
    • Role-play a teacher using each theory in a classroom.

 

Step 4: Present or Submit

  • Share your product.
  • Be prepared to explain:
    • How learning happens
    • What makes each theory unique
    • Which theory you believe works best
Evaluation
Criterion(Score if there is no evidence = 0) Below Expectations (1) Meets Expectations (3) Exceeds Expectations (5) Score
Completion of WebQuest Requirements

Comparison Chart + Final Product + Reflection		 One or more major components are missing (chart, product, or reflection). All components are included but may be incomplete (e.g., missing examples or low detail). All three components are fully completed with required details (chart filled, final product complete, reflection answered). ___
Accuracy & Depth of Understanding

How well the student shows differences among the three learning theories		 Submission shows unclear, inaccurate, or no explanation of differences between Behaviorism, Cognitive Psychology, and Social Cognitive Theory. Submission correctly identifies basic differences with limited depth (definitions + simple differences). Submission clearly explains how each theory views learning, with accurate examples and meaningful distinctions between all three. ___
Use of Required Research Links Student does not use or reference the required research links. Student uses 1–2 links from the WebQuest resources in their chart or product. Student uses all provided links (or equivalent teacher-approved sources) to support their explanation and examples. ___
Application in Final Creative Product

Poster, video, infographic, or skit		 Final product shows little/no application of the theories to real classroom or real-life learning examples. Final product includes at least one example for each theory, but with limited detail or clarity. Final product contains clear, realistic classroom or real-life examples that accurately demonstrate how learning occurs in each theory. ___
Reflection Quality

Exit Ticket Questions		 Reflection is incomplete, off-topic, or does not show personal understanding of learning theories. Reflection answers all questions but gives general or surface-level responses. Reflection thoroughly explains which theory best explains the student’s learning and provides thoughtful personal insight and examples. ___

Total Score: ______ / 25

 

Conclusion

Exit Ticket

Answer the following in 5-7 sentences:

  1. Which learning theory do you think explains how YOU learn best?
  2. Give an example from your real life that supports your choice.
  3. Why might teachers need to use all three theories in the classroom?
Credits

Created by: Aurora Roberts

Date Created: November 2025

Research Sources Used

  • Behaviorism: Simply Psychology - "Behaviorism"
  • Cognitive Psychology: Simply Psychology - "Cognitive Psychology"
  • Social Cognitive Theory: Simply Psychology - "Bandura's Social Learning Theory"

Teachers and students may modify this WebQuest for educational purposes.

Teacher Page

Purpose of this WebQuest

This WebQuest is designed to help students:

  • Compare Behaviorism, Cognitive Psychology, and Social Cognitive Theory

  • Understand how people learn through observations, thinking processes, and reinforcement

  • Apply learning theories to real classroom practices

  • Support their learning with research skills using credible sources

Learning Objectives

By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:

✔ Explain how learning occurs according to three major learning theories

✔ Identify key psychologists associated with each theory

✔ Apply each theory to realistic classroom examples

✔ Use digital research tools responsibly

✔ Evaluate and reflect on which theory best matches their learning style

Estimated Time

  • 2–3 class periods (45–60 minutes each)

Materials Needed

  • Computer or tablet with internet access

  • WebQuest handout or digital doc

  • Presentation or creative tools (poster paper, Canva, video tools, Google Slides, etc.)

Assessment

Students are evaluated using the WebQuest Rubric which assesses:

  • Completion of tasks

  • Understanding of theories

  • Use of resources

  • Accuracy of examples

  • Reflection quality

Teacher Tips

  • Encourage students to choose different final products (variety makes presentations more engaging)

  • Monitor to ensure research links are used correctly

  • Provide sentence starters for struggling students during the reflection portion

  • Allow students with anxiety to submit a product rather than present orally