LEARNING THEORIES

Pedagogy is perhaps defined as "the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods" http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pedagogy. with this in mind, I have interpreted Learning Theories  as the  science of learning, or how learners learn. There appears to be three major theories, in addition a fourth has recently been developed to cater for the digital learning context.

1. Behaviourism
2. Cognitivism
3. Constructivism
4. Connectivism

Behaviourism:

Bhaviourists like Thorndike, Watson and Skinner have developed theories based upon human behaviour. Watson believed that the learner's development rely's upon the parent, teacher, peers "and others who engineer that individuals learning environment". (Peterson 2004, p. 60) therefore, the learner is viewed as somewhat passive, to whom their learning experience can be manipulated for the purpose of human development. In this way the learner practices is rewarded through positive reinforcement an in turn learns the constructed learning experience. for a more comprehensive definition see Mergel, 1998 

Cognitivism:

Cognitivism rely's upon the learner's cognitive ability to process information; the learner is no longer viewed as passive learning (behaviourism) but is actively engaged through their cognitive processes of the "sensory register, working memory (short term memory) and long term memory"

Dr. Graham Cooper
University of New South Wales, Australia
(December 1998) retrieved from course material
To this extent cognitivism is not just about the construction of an activity, but depends upon the learner cognitively engaging in the learning experience. Therefore this, will suit the Active and Reflective learning style, as well as the Sensing and  Intuitive learner. 

Constructivism

Constructivism is based upon the construction of the learners learning experience. Vygotsky's theory works in this way, he believed "the cultural tools that a child receives from the social environment, through interactions with parents, peers and teachers, are essential in enabling the human mind to grow." (Peterson 2004, p. 59)

An analogy that best describes constructivism is that of building a multi story building. First you lay the foundations followed  by the framework to support the next floor or level. The foundation is the shared knowledge that the teacher and the learner first start of with. Then the teacher assists the learner to construct the framework through specific tasks and activities that scaffold the learning experience, finally the learner acquires new knowledge which becomes the next level; in turn becoming another shared experience. and so the process goes on. At this point I would suggest that this theory fits with all learning styles.

Connectivism

Connectivism is the new kid on the  block so to speak, it is designed to take into account digital learning. George Siemens (2004) gives us an insight into digital learning and its importance for 21st century learning and Teaching. Connectivism really supports facilitating learning through digital technologies. Be that as it may, the learner still interacts with their social environment as Vygotsky suggests, but the learning is now facilitated not only by a teacher who has the knowledge but, by the learner interfacing with digital technology. in this the shared knowledge that the learner has may not correlate with that of the teacher, but does correlate with connecting with other learners through wiki's and digital social networks; who have the shared knowledge and can extend that knowledge in order for 'the human mind to grow'. This style of learning works well in peer to pear teaching, and group work. 

In conclusion Learning Theories are the science of how we learn. Yet, I would like to suggest, by using a single learning theory we are not able to cater to all the needs of our learners and their different learning styles. So I would like to advocate that we take a somewhat eclectic approach to our application of these theories. Furthermore, it is no longer acceptable to facilitate learning through  chalk and talk, the learner therefore, is  an active participant and designer of their learning experience.  I may now conclude, that all four learning theories have their merits.  

Bibliography

Peterson, C. (2004). Looking Forward through the Lifespan. Frenchs Forest: Pearson.