There are 3 main perspectives on learning; Behaviourism, cognitive and humanist.

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There are 3 main perspectives on learning; Behaviourism, cognitive and humanist.

Behaviourism’s main idea is that we learn by consequences of our behaviour. They see learning as an observable event. The theory is all about overt behaviour (behaviour that can be seen) rather than the actual cognitive thinking part.  They say that we feel something because of a stimulus such as feeling pleased for getting a good mark. In learning the key elements are the stimulus, the response and the association between the two. The main idea is how the association between the stimulus and response is made, strengthened, and maintained. An example of behaviour modification is an experiment done my Skinner. He invented a box with a lever in it. He then placed a rat in the box. The first thing he did to the rat was positive reinforcement. When the rat pulled the lever food was given, so the rat would pull the lever again. This can be applied to learning by giving students good grades for good work encouraging them to keep it up. Secondly, Skinner taught the rat Punishment. When the rat pulled the lever, an electric current would run through the floor. After a while this would stop. This taught the rat not to pull the leaver. This can be applied to learning by giving punishments such as reinforcement. The rat had a constant electric current on the floor. When the lever was pulled the current stops for a short amount of time. The rat would then press the lever as a detentions thus discouraging bad behaviour. Lastly Skinner taught the rat negative relief from the electric current. This can be applied to learning by letting students out early if they work hard.

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The cognitive approach is that behaviour/learning is an active mental process. They believe the human mind is a rational information-processor and it is therefore necessary to know how processes as thinking, knowing, remembering and problem-solving are working Learning is shown by a change in knowledge that leads to a change in behaviour. It is looks at what learners know and how they acquire it. Cognitism, like behaviorism, shows how important the role that environmental conditions play in helping learning. Instructions, demonstrations, etc are all important in teaching and guiding. The difference is how the learner actually stores the information ...

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