Strategies for effective teaching

Why should we be interested in learning theories? Learning theories refer to a set of principles that explain how individuals acquire, retain and recall knowledge. In a broader sense, it could describe the process of learning which involves modifying an individual's knowledge, skills, values, attitude, behaviour and world views through personal experiences and environmental influences. Knowledge of these theories helps us to design instruction in a way that promotes learning. Major learning theories - BEHAVIOURISM  - We are passive creatures driven by stimulus and learned response. This learning theory has its roots in the early twentieth century through the work of behaviourists like Pavlov and Skinner among others. Their initial work was on animals. Their research showed the association between stimulus and response. This research was then applied to the study of human behaviour. Behaviourists propose that behaviour can be controlled based on antecedents and conse...