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:
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)
- 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:
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October 20th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Thank you for putting this information in such a easy to read and useful format. I was able to ingtegrate some of the basic information into a theory base for a nursing research project. I will definitely use this site again and spread the word amongst my colleagues- thank you!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:58 am
it really helps a lot…as a future educator, it is important to know the different learning theories…thank you…
February 9th, 2008 at 10:34 am
This sit is very rewarding to me as a teacher.It gave me insight into how people learn, which made it easier for me to come up with strategies and techniques that fit my adolescent students.
I would have liked to find techniques that are related to teaching and ways to motivate my students to learn English.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Eureka, I was so thrilled to find this site as I was preparing an in-service training for general ed. teachers in a charter high school working w/special needs and “At Risk” intercity high school aged students
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:47 am
Thanks for having simplified the learning theories in such an easy way that helps me a lot.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
This is one of the best sites I’ve seen on Learning Theories. Very helpful and easy to navigate. Thanks from far away Philippines!