Key Educational and Behavioral Learning Theories

Theoretical Approaches

1) Mechanistic Learning

Focuses on the relationship between Environment (E) and Response (R) and the correspondence between them. Conduct acts as a mediator between stimuli affecting an organism and the subsequent responses. Learning is defined as a permanent change in the relationship between E and R, where R is any item of conduct, and encouragement is any sense. The response (R) is produced by the environment (E). Mechanistic theories lend themselves to greater accuracy and better match with a unified scientific approach.

2) Cognitive Learning

This approach emphasizes the intuitive aspects of behavior. Appropriate behavior appears relatively suddenly, without manifesting a gradual strengthening of the E-R link or conduct directed toward a predictable end. In intentional learning situations, the focus is less on learning responses and more on the development of cognitions that link E and R. Attention is given to learning situations that generate knowledge.

3) Constructivist Learning

Learning is viewed as:

• A cumulative process.
• Self-regulated learning: filtering and selecting relevant information (one's own way of knowing).
• Directed towards achieving goals, achievements, and self-seeking required to attain them.
• A process requiring collaboration (interaction with the social and natural environment).
• Individually different.

Educational Theories

1) Sabiani's Views

Not Critical: Education is autonomous of society, understood as conventional education.

Reviews or Not Reproductivist: Reference to education subordinate to the state ideological apparatus.

2) Brameld's Framework

a) Essentialism: Preservation of culture, ideological aspects relating to religion or a way of doing science.

b) Perennialism: Development of classic, timeless virtues.

c) Progressivism: Strengthening a culture of continuous growth and development.

d) Reconstructionism: Culture should be democratized and placed in the hands of the majority.

3) Simmons' Models

a) Progressive Mixed: A blend between cultural preservation and the development of classical virtues, but applied for practical purposes.

b) Reconstructionism: More than a reactionary movement, it addresses society's capacity at any given time.

c) Human Capital: Focuses on training the being and doing in terms of economic resources (economic practice).

4) David and Hutson (Theological Approach)

a) Theories of Effectiveness: Aim to achieve consistent unity between human beings and their environment. What is taught is what the environment dictates should be taught. This approach seeks to make people more virtuous and delivers knowledge and attitudes for better societal living. It tends toward social equality and cultural preservation.

b) Functionalist Theories: These allow individuals to learn how to learn things and perform them well according to their own profile.