A Journey Through Learning Theories

Introduction

Have you ever noticed that some students learn best when they are rewarded, others learn by thinking through problems, and some learn simply by watching others? Teachers use different learning theories to help students succeed in the classroom. 

In this WebQuest, you will explore three important learning theories:

  • Behaviorism
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Social Cognitive Theory

You will discover how each theory explains learning and how teachers use these ideas in real classrooms. 

Task

Your task is to become a learning expert!

You will research the three learning theories and create a project that explains how they are different and how they are used in schools. 

You will create: 

A Comparison chart, Poster, or Google Slides presentation that explains:

  • The definition of each learning theory
  • The key psychologist connected to the theory
  • How learning happens according to the theory
  • A real classroom example

You will present this project to the class. 

Process

Step 1:

Learn about the three learning theories by reading the provided resources.

 

Step 2: 

Take notes on the following information for each theory:

  • Definition
  • Key Person
  • How Learning happens
  • Classroom example

Step 3:

Compare the similarities and differences between the three theories.

Step 4: 

Choose your Project format:

  • Poster
  • Comparison Chart
  • Google Slides Presentation

Step 5:

Create your final project utilizing your notes.

Step 6:

Present your Projects to the class!!

Evaluation
Rubric
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Needs Improvement (2) Poor (1)

 

Understandings of Theories

 

    Explains all three clearly           Explains Most          Some confusion

         Very limited

 

Accuracy

 

    All information correct            Minor Errors           Several errors

      Mostly incorrect

 

Creativity

 

    Very neat and creative           Some creativity            Basic effort          Little effort

 

Presentation

 

    Clear and confident            Mostly clear            Some difficulty           
   Hard to understand

 

Conclusion

Now that you have explored Behaviorism, Cognitive Psychology, and Social Cognitive Theory, you have learned that students do not all learn the same way. Teachers must use different strategies to help every student succeed.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which learning theory do you think is most effective for learning?
  2. How can teachers use more than one learning theory in the same lesson?
  3. How might understanding learning theories help you become a better learner or teacher?
Teacher Page

Sample: 

Learning Theory Comparison Chart

Behaviorism

Definition: Learning happens through rewards and punishments.

Key Person: B.F. Skinner

How Learning Happens: Students repeat behaviors that are rewarded.

Classroom Example: A teacher gives stickers for completing homework.

Cognitive Psychology

Definition: Learning happens through thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Key Person: Jean Piaget

How Learning Happens: Students process information using their brains.

Classroom Example: A teacher uses graphic organizers to help students understand a lesson.

Social Cognitive Theory

Definition: Learning happens by observing others.

Key Person: Albert Bandura

How Learning Happens: Students learn by watching and modeling behavior.

Classroom Example: A teacher demonstrates how to solve a math problem before students try.