Learning Theorie - Research Paper Example

Learning Theories The specific learning theory that I research is the constructivist theory of learning. From an overarching perspective, constructivism considers that knowledge is entirely socially constructed (Meyer, p. 332). With the socially constructed nature of knowledge then, constructive learning techniques work to structure learning techniques around the establishment of constructs (Meyer, p. 332). One of the main recognitions is that these constructs are established by humans to create order out of chaos; this is an epistemological view of knowledge as not linked to an objective standard, but contingent on agreed upon notions within society.

This learning theory then is closely linked to pragmatist philosophy, as they both articulate the world in this constructive lens. There are a variety of ways that constructivist learning theory can be implemented in training. The extent that constructivism can be implemented in learning is dependent on the extent that it is embraced by the instructional designer. In this way radical constructivists believe that all knowledge should be instructed through these methods. Still, in most use constructivism is implemented as a means of instructing higher order thinking skills.

In these instances, more traditional instruction methods face great challenges in encapsulating the varieties of information. Specifically, constructivist techniques rely largely on shared interactions between students. In this way students’ divergent understandings of subject matter are integrated into a construction of reality. In other instances, students engage in applications of knowledge that simulate real-world situations; in these instances, the students’ interaction with the real world situation contributes to their knowledge construction.

ReferencesMeyer, Jason. "The Poverty of Constructivism". Educational Philosophy and Theory 41 (3): 332–341. 2009.