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Many Learning Theories have been developed over a long period of time, though a majority of those now in use have arisen in the last century or so.
These theories apply to many different levels of educational learning.
Several theories and theorists stand out among this group, many for quite different reasons. Not all theories or theorists are covered on this page.
This page looks at major theorists and their theories. Information includes biographies, information, further sources and an increasing number of videos.
For information on Learning & Teaching Styles, related methods and further information, go to this page.
A - H
Bandura, Albert
Bandura and his Social Cognitive Theory. Biography, descriptors, video, links.
- Albert Bandura
Text presentation on the man and his theories. - Albert Bandura, Biography
Information, video presentations [YouTube], images. Links to concepts and topics. - Bandura Bobo Doll Experiment
6 minute .AVI video from YouTube. - Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory : An
Introduction
Google Video. - Information on Self-Efficacy
Links that cover Bandura [biography, his own commentary], self-efficacy, social cognitive theory and more. Among the best sites on these topics. - Publications by Albert Bandura
Extensive listing, many [in blue] available in PDF format. - Social Cognitive Theory
‘Posits that portions of an individual’s knowledge acquisition can be directly related to observing others within the context of social interactions, experiences, and outside media influences.’ Theory and looks at Bandura and others. From Wikipedia - Social Learning Theory
Text-based presentation. Easy to read and understand. Bibliography.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
- Benjamin Bloom
The man and his works. - Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy
Introduction to the theory, poster sets, activities based on the taxonomy in Mathematics, Science & Christmas, matrices, planning sheets and more. Many PDF downloads. A Queensland school’s presentation.
Highly Recommended ! - Bloom’s Taxonomy
13 minute video from Google. Several other Videos on Bloom’s Taxonomy are found here. - Bloom’s Taxonomy
Learning Domains and Bloom’s Taxonomy. - Bloom’s Taxonomy [Yahoo]
Directory with annotated links. - Major Categories in the Taxonomy of Educational Objectives
Literature, links.
Constructivism
- Constructivism and the Five E’s
Brief rundown then goes to seven E’s. - Constructivist Theory
Yahoo Directory, annotated links. - emTech
Constructivism, Instructivism and Related Sites. Annotated links to other sites.
De Bono, Edward
Edward De Bono and lateral & creative thinking.
- Critical Thinking Resources
Tertiary level. - Edward de Bono - Biography
- How Creative and Lateral Thinking Techniques Work
- Lateral Thinking
Overview, links, references. - Lateral Thinking and Creative Thinking Techniques
- Space for Ideas - Ideas Essays - Edward De Bono
‘He argues passionately that businesses need to treat creativity as seriously as they treat capital, labour, machinery and IT.’ PDF article.
Dewey, John
- Centre for Dewey Studies
Publications, papers, audio, reading list and more. - John Dewey and Informal Education
Basic information. - John Dewey and the F.M. Alexander Technique
Further aspect of Dewey’s influence and interest. - Pragmatism Archive
Dewey was considered one of the classic pragmatists.
Educational Theories
Videos, of varying lengths, Freely available online from a number of sources. Specific videos are included with som individual topics on this page.
- Education Theory Capture Part 1
‘Educational theories explained and demonstrated. 2 Parts.’ Approximately 18 minutes in all. - Education Theory Capture Part 2
Emilia, Reggio
An approach rather than an individual’s theory.
- Reggio Children
‘Rechild magazine, is both a possible and a concrete instrument for readers to feel themselves a part of a large philosophical and educational community connected in network and in dialogue, a community that reflects and acts on educational issues. Bilingual Italian-English. Each issue focuses on a particular theme or topic.’ PDF files available. - Reggio Emilia : An innovative approach to education
Article with sources. From the UK. - Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Years Education
‘Sets out to explain the Reggio approach and outline the inherent factors.’ Several documents in PDF or Word format covering approach, Leader and Activity notes. - Reggio Emilia Philosophy
‘The following overview of the Reggio Emilia Approach was taken from a packet of information available at The Hundred Languages of Children traveling exhibit.’ Includes a listing of features. - Sesame Street Reggio Emilia Workshop
For parents. A series of topics are covered. - The Reggio Emilia Approach
Links resources ‘related to the approach to early childhood education developed in the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy.’ Discussion lists, videos, bibliographies, newsletter and more.
Erikson, Erik
Information on both the theorist and the Socioemotional Development Theory.
- Erik Erikson
Biography, theories of development, theory of personality, scientific support, bibliography, further readings, references, links to further information. From Wikipedia. - Erik Erikson, 1902-1994
Biography, theory, stages with detailed descriptors, discussion, readings. - Erik H. Erikson : A Life’s Work
4 minute video from Google Video. - Erik Erikson by Jeffrey Guterman
Video, approx. 10 minutes, from Google Video. - Erik Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development
Links to a summary chart, introduction to the 8 stages, biography, critiques & controversies, references, other links. - Socioemotional Development
‘For Erikson, the most important force driving human behavior and the development of personality was social interaction.’ Information about this theory, some in tabular form, the relationship to education, including preschool and primary [elementary] levels - The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson
Extensive presentation about the 8 stages.
Froebel, Friedrich
Created the concept of Kindergarten, its name, and had further input into the foundation of modern education.
- Elements of a Froebelian Education
Uses a heading and point format. Principles, pedagogy and environment are all covered. - Friedrich Frõbel
Biography, career, legacy, works, references, further reading, links to further information. From Wikipedia. - Friedrich Fröbel 1782-1852
- Friedrich Froebel and the Froebel Movement
‘Information relating to Friedrich Froebel, founder of the kindergarten, and the movement that sprang up in order to implement his proposals regarding the education and schooling of young children.’ - Froebel Archive for Childhood Studies
‘Collection of books, archives, photographs, objects and multi-media materials, centring on Friedrich Froebel’s educational legacy, early years and elementary education.’ Roehampton University, London. - Froebel’s Chief Writings on Education
Online text. In chapters and sub-chapters. - Froebel Web
‘The leading English language online resource about Friedrich Froebel, creator of Kindergarten and designer of Froebel Gifts.’ - Further Reading
‘The following books and journals will be of interest in relation to Froebelian principles and practice in early years education.’ - The Influences of Friedrick Froebel
‘Associate Professor Elizabeth Mellor, Monash University, wrote an article on the work of Friedrick Froebel, who is best known for the concepts of child-centred education and the kindergarten.’
Freire, Paulo
- Paulo Freire [1]
Biography, links, books, articles. - Paulo Freire [2]
Biography, extensive bibliography [multiple languages], links to related sites. - Paulo Freire and Informal Education
Further reading, reference, contributions, links. - Paulo Freire’s Educational Theory
Text presentation, links, bibliography.
Gardner, Howard
See additional information on Multiple Intelligences on the Learning & Teaching Styles page.
- Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences and Education
Information including questions on further intelligences. - Howard Gardner
Biography, FAQs, books, papers, links and more. - Howard Gardner Profile
- How Technology Enhances Howard Gardner’s Eight Intelligences
Gestalt Theory
- Gestalt Psychology
Covers the educational area and goes beyond this into computers and more. - The International Society For Gestalt Theory
And Its Applications. ‘What is Gestalt Theory ?’ to an archive of articles and information, links to people connected to the theory and its use, the Gestalt Theory Journal, Resources, Related Pages, monthly features, more.
Gregorc, Anthony F.
- Applying What We Know - Student Learning Styles
The Gregorc Model. - Anthony F. Gregorc, Ph.D.
Visit his web site to see what he offers. - Gregorc Learning Styles
Information on brain-hemisphere learning styles.
I - P
Kolb, David
- David A. Kolb on Experiential Learning
Main topics, concerns and other thoughts. - David Kolb
The Theory of Experiential Learning and ESL I-TESL-J. - Experiential Learning
Articles & Critiques of David Kolb’s Theory. ‘Explores the development of experiential learning from its original proposal into some of its current refinements and applications.’ - Learning Styles and Experiential Learning
Article. University of New South Wales, 1998.
Maslow, Abraham
- Abraham Maslow
Background, biography, theory, discussion, references. - A Theory of Human Motivation
Online book by Abraham Maslow, with introduction and 10 chapters. Inbuilt definitions of terms via pop-up windows. - Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Representations, deficiency needs, aesthetic needs, self-transcendence, success of offspring, criticisms, references, links to other sites. From Wikipedia. - Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs [Valdosta]
Text-based information, diagrammatic respresentations, links, reference listing. - Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs [Video]
A brief video. Links to more information and Word documents. - Maslow’s Motivation Theory
And Its Application to Education. Sections on his theory and applications to education. From a US university Psychology course. - Personality & Consciousness
Section on Abraham Maslow and His Hierarchy of Needs.
Montessori
- American Montessori Consulting
‘Your one stop for complete Montessori information. Everything from A to Z. Montessori lesson plans, information, Montessori books, resources, Montessori links, Montessori discussion list and more.’ - Association Montessori Internationale
Publications, Research, training, jobs, materials, societies, pedagogy. - Introduction to Montessori Education
North American Montessori Teachers’ Association. - Maria Montessori
Biography, background, career, methodology, references. - Montessori
‘Website of the Montessori Foundation and the International Montessori Council.’ - Montessori Method
From Wikipedia. Information with embedded links, external links and more. - The Montessori Method
‘The Philosophy & Practice of the Montessori Method of Education - for children from birth to age twelve, in the home and at school.’
Piaget, Jean
- Jean Piaget
Biography, influence, major works and achievements, stage theories, quotations, references, links. From Wikipedia. - Jean Piaget, Intellectual Development
Stages of intellectual development, how children learn, implications for education, instructional technology. - Jean Piaget, Personality Theories
Biography plus descriptions of his theories. - Jean Piaget Society
‘To provide an open forum, through symposia, books, our journal, and other publications, for the presentation and discussion of scholarly work on issues related to human knowledge and its development.’ Biography, publications, links to Free full-text books by Piaget, links to further information [including to Vygotsky]. - Piaget’s Development Theory
Presentation, mostly in point format. Shows his theory and stages of development. Good starting point. - TIP Theories - Genetic Epistemology
- University of Geneva Jean Piaget Archives
Information, documentation, publications and more.
Q - Z
Skinner, B.F.
- Behaviourism, Social Control, Behavioural Psychology
Critical review. - Behaviourism at Questia
- B. F. Skinner
Biography, information on the theory. - B.F. Skinner, A Brief Autobiography
Done under topic headings. Includes references. - B. F. Skinner Foundation
Information, publications. - Educational Theory, B F Skinner
8 points, each covering one theory. - TIP Theories - Operant Conditioning
Extensive material.
Spearman, Charles
- Charles Spearman
From Wikipedia. Information, embedded links, external links, references. - Charles Spearman : Behavioural Scientist
‘Ooutline of the significant achievements of the British Psychologist, Charles Spearman, who was the originator of the classical theory of mental tests, the multivariate statistical method called factor analysis, and the first comprehensive theory of the intellect.’ - Human Intelligence - Charles Spearman
Introduction to Spearman and his theory.
Steiner, Rudolf
Steiner and his theories, as demonstrated through implementation in Waldorf Schools.
- About Rudolf Steiner
Article, links about Steiner, new and old books, collections from lectures and other written works. - Rudolf Steiner, An Introduction
From Wikipedia. - Rudolf Steiner Archive
Background, elibrary, discussion forums, links, blackboard artistry, bookstore, information from the American Anthroposophical Society. - Steiner [Waldorf] Schools in Australia
- Summary of Rudolf Steiner’s Principles of Education
‘Review of Lecture V in Rudolf Steiner’s The Roots of Education, Five Lectures Given in 1924.’ - Waldorf Answers
‘Intending to provide answers about Waldorf education, in depth, that parents and prospective parents may have, and to clear up some of the misconceptions that may exist about Waldorf education.’ - Who Was Rudolf Steiner ?
Article, links to writings and lectures, anthologies, biographies.
Vygotsky, Lev
- Funderstanding - Vygotsky and Social Cognition
The theory and the theorist. - Leve Semenovich Vygotsky
‘Biographical information, descriptions of the zone of proximal development, the sociocultural approach developed by Vygotsky, and associated topics.’ Links, information, texts and more. - Lev Vygotsky
Biography, other information. - Lev Vygotsky Archive
Biography, image gallery, links to his works, information The Vygotsky School;, Vygotsky on literature and art, further readings. - Social Development Theory
Text presentation on principles and other aspects. - The Vygotsky Reader
Leiden University. Available in part or whole in PDF format. - TIP Theories - Social Development Theory
- Vygotsky Resources
Annotated links. - Vygotsky’s Developmental
Theory : An Introduction
‘Illustrates four basic concepts integral to his work : 1] children construct knowledge; 2] learning can lead development; 3] development cannot be separated from its social context; and 4] language plays a central role in cognitive development.’ A range of related videos is found here.
Other Information
- About Learning
12 theories on how people learn. Try their Theories page as well. - Angles on Learning
‘Introduction to theories of learning for college, adult and professional education.’ Extensive listing and descriptions, created by J S Atherton. Their Site Map lists these, in text-based groupings - Learning-Theories.com
‘This knowledge base features learning theories that address how people learn. A resource useful for scholars of various fields such as educational psychology, instructional design, and human-computer interaction.’ Be sure to check the Index of Learning Theories & Models. - Learning Theories
Links to sites with research on learning. - Learning Theories [Yahoo]
Directory, annotated links. - Learning Theories and Teaching Models
Scroll down to reach the collection of links. Each link briefly annotated. - Learning Theory
Fundamental information about learning theories. - Learning Theory Timeline
- Methodologies and Theories
- Newer Views of Learning Index
Leslie O Wilson. ‘This particular site strand is devoted to discussions and information on newer innovations in education. Included are : newer views of intelligence, holistic learning and teaching, brain-based education, as well as suggestions on how to create teaching environments where optimal human learning is supported and nurtured.’
A related site is his CreativityIndex. - Teaching/Learning Theories
Links to theories,information databases, teaching models and theory into practice. - Teaching/Learning Theories [Hypermedia]
Power Point Presentation, links. - The Theories
Links to learning theories. - Theory Into Practice [TIP]
Database of learning theories.