Learning Theories and Models

Index of Learning Theories and Models

Theories and Models of Learning for Educational Research and Practice. This knowledge base features learning theories that address how people learn. A resource useful for scholars of various fields such as educational psychology, instructional design, and human-computer interaction. Below is the index of learning theories, grouped in somewhat arbitrary categories. Note that this website is an iterative project and these entries are a work in progress; please leave comments with suggestions, corrections, and additional references.

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Paradigms:

• Behaviorism
• Cognitivism
• Constructivism
• Design-Based
• Humanism

Behaviorist Theories:

• Behaviorism Overview
• Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
• GOMS Model (Card, Moran, and Newell)
• Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
• Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

Cognitivist Theories:

• Cognitivism Overview
• Assimilation Theory (Ausubel)
• Attribution Theory (Weiner)
• Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller)
• Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer)
• Component Display Theory
• Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)
• Gestalt Psychology (Tolman)
• Mental Models (Johnson-Laird)
• Schema Theory
• Stage Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

Constructivist, Social, and Situational Theories:

• Constructivism Overview
• Case-Based Learning
• Cognitive Apprenticeship (Collins et al.)
• Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger)
• Discovery Learning (Bruner)
• Goal Based Scenarios
• Social Development Theory (Vygtosky)
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
• Situated Learning (Lave)

Motivational and Humanist Theories:

• Humanism Overview
• ARCS Model of Motivational Design (Keller)
• Experiential Learning (Kolb)
• Facilitative Teaching (Rogers)
• Invitational Learning (Purkey)
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow)

Design Theories and Models (Prescriptive):

• Design-Based Research Overview
• ADDIE Model of Instructional Design
• ARCS Model of Motivational Design (Keller)
• Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)

Descriptive and Meta Theories:

• Activity Theory (Vygotsky, Leont’ev, Luria, Engstrom, etc.)
• Actor-Network Theory (Latour, Callon)
• Distributed Cognition (Hutchins)

Identity Theories:

• Erikson’s Stages of Development (Erikson)
• Identity Status Theory (Marcia)
• Self-Theories: Entity and Incremental Theory (Dweck)

Miscellaneous Learning Theories and Models:

• Affordance Theory (Gibson)
• Multiple Intelligences Theory (Gardner)