1. Cognitivism: Many schools of thought have slightly varying definitions, but in general it is based around how we learn through the unobserved processes of the mind (such as our short/long term memories, schemas, etc.).
1.1. Robert Gange: Proposed the Conditions of Learning; there is a sort of hierarchical prerequisites needed before learning can occur. (One cannot fix their car without prior knowledge or the physical ability to do so.)
1.2. David Ausabel: Proposed the Meaningful Learning Theory; this is mostly concerned with large amounts of instruction being learned, but he claims that we use Advanced Organizers (cognitive constructs) that act as a subsuming bridge between new and previously learned material.
1.3. Jean Piaget: Proposed Cognitive Development theory; claims that children progress through four stages of cognitive development, and certain things are not able to be learned util we reach a specific stage of development.
1.4. Richard Mayer: Multimedia Learning's Theory; proposed that we do interpret multimedia presentations, but that the information observed is organized by cognitive constructs to make sense of the it.
1.5. Charles Reigeluth: Elaboration Theory; the easiest way to learn is when instruction is organized by less complex task to the most complex tasks. As curriculum continues, the less complex tasks are reinforced through repeated execution.
2. Constructivism: Learning begins with our prior knowledge as a foundation. We use our prior knowledge to make sense of new information.
2.1. Jean Piaget: Proposed Conception of equilibrium theory; developed from his Cognitive Development Theory, explains who we use our prior knowledge to organize an process new information until reaching equilibrium again.
2.2. John Dewey: Cited as the Founder of Constructivism; believed learning is grounded in real-world experiences.
2.3. Jerome Bruner: Believed "Students are more likely to learn through engaging in problem-solving activities that require them to reflect on their past experiences.
2.4. Ernst von Glasersfeld: Founded Radical Constructivism; Learning MUST be constructed. He claimed once that the usage to teachers and textbooks is not required as only past experience is needed to supplement learning.
2.5. Lev Vygotsky: Proposed/founded Social Constructivism that claims it is impossible to separate learning from social context. Also proposed the Zone of Proximal Development Theory, which claims that individuals have two aptitudes of learning that vary in strength: Assisted learning with an instructor of guide, and self-guided learning.
3. Behaviorism: states that Learning results in an observable change in behavior brought about by repeated association of consequences of desirable and undesirable behavior.
3.1. Pavlov: Founder of Classical Conditioning; an idea where if someone pairs a neutral stimulus with a positive stimulus, the neutral stimulus will eventually trigger a response without the presence of the positive stimulus.
3.2. John B. Watson: Founded the School of Methodology, which believed that all theories should be based of off ONLY observations.
3.3. Edward Thorndike: Proposed the Law of Effect; behavior with pleasant consequences is likely to be repeated (Lead to Skinner developing Operant Conditioning).
3.4. Albert Bandura: Famous for the Bobo Doll experiment. Proposed the social Learning Theory; we learn through observed interactions of others.
3.5. B. F. Skinner: Proposed Operant Conditioning; and idea where one if more likely to repeat a behavior with positive consequences, and resist behavior with negative consequences.
