Learning paradigms

Learning theories are usually divided into several paradigms which represent different perspectives on the learning process. Theories within the same paradigm share the same point of view. Currently, the most accepted learning paradigms are behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, social learning and humanism but there are others as well.

Here we will refer to the following learning paradigms and related learning theories:

Behaviorism

Cognitivism

Humanism

Constructivism

Connectivism

Other Learning Theories

Instructional design theories

We will also refer to some instructional design principles:

Component Display Theory (Merrill, cognitivist)

Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth, cognitivist)

Cognitive Apprenticeship

Other related theories

Some theories that are not directly orientated on explaining of the learning process, but are also worth mentioning can be found here:

Gestalt Theory (Wertheimer)

Mental Models (Johnson-Laird)

Theory of Cognitive Development (Piaget)

Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger)