What is learning and how do human beings learn? These questions have been asked and answered by diverse theories. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss some of the major theories of learning. However, as noted by Uljens (1997), each theoretical orientation to learning has a somewhat different definition. In this regard, Uljens notes that learning has been defined as:
1. A cognitive process in which one acquires skill of knowledge
3. A process by which relatively permanent changes occur in behavioral potential as a result of experience.
4. A change in an individual's behavior arising from experience.
5. The application of known information to acquiring unknown information.
6. A process based on experience that results in a relatively durable change in behavior or knowledge.
7. A process that builds on or modifies understanding, capacities, abilities, attitudes and propensities in the individual.
8. A strategic process of developing strategy by crafting, experimentation and feedback. (Note, learning in this context does not mean rote or memory learning).
While at least some of the foregoing definitions of learning appear quite different, Uljens (1997) points out that they can be divided into two basic categories: Learning as a Product or Outcome and Learning as a Process. Theories related to both of these basic notions of learning are reviewed in this paper. The paper also presents some conclusionary and summary statements.
Learning as a Product: Behavior Theory
According to Ormrod (1998), learning as a product focuses upon learning as a change in behavior or understanding. Ormrod further states that the notion of learning as a product is pivotal to the behaviorist orientation to learning.
With respect to the foregoing, Schunk (2003) reports that behavioral learning theory postulates that learning is directly reducible to behavior and as such can be observed, and quantified. T...