Learning Theorists

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For over one hundred years, teaching and learning theorists have been experimenting, studying, and explaining how people learn. Some of these theorists suggest that learning ability is engrained in who you are from birth, while others are convinced that nearly all of one’s learning can be attributed to the environment in which they live. Three noted learning theorists of the 20^th century are Robert Sternberg, Robert Gagne, and Albert Bandura. Each of these three men made significant contributions to the fields of education and psychology. Today’s educators can improve their students’ chances of success in the classroom and beyond by examining and applying the findings of Sternberg, Gagne, and Bandura.

Robert Sternberg was not satisfied with the standard IQ test, so he developed the Triarchic Theory to get a more all-encompassing measure of intelligence. Sternberg developed his first intelligence test in 7^th grade after failing an intelligence test earlier in his life. Later in life, he developed more effective techniques for teaching to the three intelligences in the classroom (TJHSST Academics). Also, he suggested that teaching should link classroom activities to real-world situations in order to maximize a lesson’s effectiveness. Throughout his career, Sternberg continued to critique traditional intelligence tests and apply his theories to study the exceptionally intelligent (Theory into Practice). Sternberg’s goal of fairly measuring intelligence in individuals led to significant changes in many educators’ views of how to determine intelligence in their students.

Robert Gagne is a well-known behaviorist theorist who defined the following five specific major categories of learning: verbal information, intellectual skills, cognitive strategies, motor skills and attitudes (Theory into Practice). Each of these five types of learning is best achieved through different types of activities. Gagne “is considered to be the foremost researcher and contributor to the systematic approach to instructional design and training” (eLearning Guru). Another one of his contributions to the educational world is his hierarchy of complexity of intellectual skills (Theory in Practice). This hierarchy can be used to help teachers properly sequence learning activities in order to better facilitate learning. Without adequate prerequisite skills, students are already at a disadvantage for mastering new, related content. Better knowledge and understanding of Gagne’s findings could help today’s teachers be more competent when it comes to sequencing units and preparing their daily lessons.

Much of Albert Bandura’s research focused on the power of social learning situations. While Bandura’s studies are used extensively in criminology, there are also many classroom applications to his findings (Research Brought to Life). Much like Vygotsky and Lave, Bandura stressed the importance and impact of social learning (Theory in Practice). This can impact students in the classroom as well as when they are making decisions outside of school. In society, one of the most prevalent social learning situations is viewing commercials on television. These can lead people to purchase products simply because of the implied social status of using that product as opposed to purchasing based upon more logical criteria such as quality and value. In the classroom, Bandura’s work can be used to help teachers eliminate the undesirable behaviors of their students. Some teachers see immediate results when they earn the respect of a student that is admired by his peers. When this student begins to display some positive traits in the classroom, others soon follow. Of course, this social learning can also negatively impact the classroom climate if the admired student behaves in ways that disturb the learning process. Bandura’s principles can be used in today’s classrooms to get students working more efficiently and effectively without as many needless interruptions due to inappropriate behavior.

All three of these teaching and learning theorists helped shape the look of today’s classrooms. Their dedication to understanding how a student best learns and becomes motivated provides valuable insight that today’s teachers can use. Despite the numerous advances in educational technology, the basic ideals that create a positive learning environment remain similar to when these psychologists studied human behavior. Every teacher strives to get the most out of each of their students, and in order to reach this goal it is important to set the stage for success. Sternberg and Gagne help us better understand how to design effective learning activities, while Bandura’s strategies allow teachers to properly set the stage for learning. While the students, teachers, facilities, and tools are always changing, research done by the great teaching and learning theorists continues to have a positive impact in today’s classrooms.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Full bibliography available at: http://easybib.com/key/8e43db

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"Gagne's Conditions of Learning." Penn State Personal Web Server. Web. 03 Oct. 2010. .

Giger, Matthias. "Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence." Neue Seite 1. Web. 03 Oct. 2010. .

Grant, S. "Robert J. Sternberg." TJHSST Academics - Courses and Curriculum. Web. 03 Oct. 2010. .

Isom, M. D. "Theorist - Albert Bandura." Research Brought To Life : College Of Criminology & Criminal Justice : Florida State University. 30 Nov. 1998. Web. 03 Oct. 2010. .

Kruse, Kevin. "Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction: An Introduction." E-Learning (elearning) Guru: 100's of Articles & White Papers & Tools. Web. 03 Oct. 2010. .

Pajeras, F. "Albert Bandura Biographical Sketch." Division of Educational Studies, Emory. 2006. Web. 03 Oct. 2010. .

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