Educational Theories-Compare and contrast

By

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION1

LEARNING THEORIES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION1

COMPARISON OF LEARNING THEORIES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION2

Skinner learning theory and special education3

Piaget theory and special education4

Gagne cognitivism learning theory and special education6

CONTROVERSIES RELATED TO CONSTRUCTIVIST THEORY7

CONTRIBUTION OF CONSTRUCTIVIST THEORY8

CONCLUSION10

REFERENCES11

Educational Theories

Introduction

Learning theories are considered as a process of knowledge acquisition which during the last century has showed a tremendous development by showing advancement in psychology and instructional theories, which have tried to systematize the mechanisms associated with mental processes that make learning possible (Murphy, Peter, 2005). The purpose of the educational theories for special education is to understand and identify these processes and try to describe methods from them which are more effective for providing instruction to children who are disabled. It is this last aspect that is based primarily on instructional design, which identifies what are the methods to be used in the instructional design process and also in the situations in which these methods must be used. There are three learning theories which have been developed by many theorists since many years. These theorists have researched these theories and have added their research to them. Theorist such as BF Skinner is known for his research and theory regarding behaviorism. Similarly, R. M. Gagne is one of the theorists who are known for cognitivism learning theory. Furthermore, Jean Piaget is one of the well known theorists who has provided his research and findings regarding constructivism theory. There are many differences and similarities regarding these theories (Darling, Bransford, 2005).

Learning theories for special education

According to Fullan (2003) the combination of these learning methods and situations establishes the principles and theories of learning. A learning principle describes the effect of a single strategic component in learning which determines the outcome of this component of the teacher under certain conditions. From the viewpoint prescriptive initially determines when this component can be used. On the other hand, a theory describes the effects of a complete model of education understood as an integrated set of strategic components rather than the effects of a strategic component isolated. In this regard, the study of the mind and of the mechanisms involved in learning has been developed from several points of view based on the same fundamental question which is based on effective learning (Friend et al., 2010). In the first place, from a psychological point of view and teaching and trying to identify which elements of knowledge is involved in teaching and the conditions under which learning is possible (Klages, 2003). On the other hand, in the field of instructional technology to systematize this learning includes identifying process, mechanisms and the mental processes involved in it.

Comparison of Learning Theories for special education

Learning theories from the psychological point of view have been associated with the completion of the teaching method in education. The scenario that is performed determines the educational process stimuli and methods with which learning takes place. From a historical standpoint, there are roughly three educational trends that have been in effect throughout education which include social ...