Here’s an ordered list of the learning theories, along with a principle summary for each theory and its key figure:

  1. Behaviorism (early 20th century):

    • Key Figure: Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) – Classical conditioning
    • Principle Summary: Behaviorism focuses on the relationship between stimuli and responses. It suggests that learning results from associations formed through conditioned responses to stimuli, with reinforcement playing a key role in shaping behavior.
  2. Cognitive Theory (mid-20th century):

    • Key Figure: Jean Piaget (1896-1980) – Cognitive development, assimilation, accommodation
    • Principle Summary: Cognitive theory emphasizes the role of internal mental processes in learning. It suggests that individuals actively construct knowledge by organizing and interpreting information and that learning involves processes such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and schema development.
  3. Social Learning Theory (the 1960s):

    • Key Figure: Albert Bandura (born 1925) – Observational learning, modeling, social influence
    • Principle Summary: Social learning theory highlights the impact of observation and modeling on learning. It suggests that individuals learn by observing others and imitating their behaviors and that reinforcement and social context play a significant role in shaping behavior.
  4. Constructivism (late 20th century):

    • Key Figure: Jean Piaget (1896-1980) – Cognitive constructivism
    • Key Figure: Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) – Social constructivism, zone of proximal development
    • Principle Summary: Constructivism posits that learners actively construct their own knowledge and meaning through interactions with the environment. It emphasizes the importance of learners’ prior knowledge, experiences, and active engagement in constructing new understandings. Social interaction and collaboration are also considered essential for learning and development.
  5. Experiential Learning (1970s):

    • Key Figure: David Kolb (born 1939) – Experiential learning cycle, hands-on experience, reflection
    • Principle Summary: Experiential learning theory emphasizes the importance of direct experience and reflection in learning. It suggests that learners engage in a continuous cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation to develop knowledge and skills.
  6. Multiple Intelligences (1980s):

    • Key Figure: Howard Gardner (born 1943) – Theory of multiple intelligences, diverse cognitive abilities
    • Principle Summary: Multiple intelligences theory suggests that intelligence is not a single, fixed entity, but rather encompasses various abilities and talents. It identifies multiple forms of intelligence, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal, acknowledging the diverse ways in which individuals learn and excel.