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Learning theories aren't just abstract philosophy—they're the foundation of every curriculum decision you'll encounter on the exam. When a question asks why a teacher uses group projects, why a district adopted competency-based progression, or how to differentiate instruction, you're being tested on your ability to connect classroom practices to their theoretical roots. These theories explain how learning happens, what role the learner plays, and what environmental factors matter most.
The exam will test your ability to distinguish between theories that emphasize external influences (like reinforcement and modeling) versus those that prioritize internal processes (like reflection and meaning-making). You'll need to recognize how theories address individual cognition, social interaction, cultural context, and technological networks. Don't just memorize names and definitions—know what instructional approach each theory supports and when you'd recommend one framework over another.
These theories position learning as primarily shaped by forces outside the learner—environmental stimuli, observable behaviors, and social models that can be systematically controlled or designed.
Compare: Behaviorism vs. Social Learning Theory—both emphasize external factors and reinforcement, but behaviorism requires direct experience while social learning allows for observational acquisition. If an FRQ asks about classroom management strategies, behaviorism focuses on individual reward systems while social learning emphasizes teacher modeling and peer influence.
These frameworks focus on what happens inside the learner's mind—how information is received, organized, stored, and retrieved.
Compare: Cognitivism vs. Multiple Intelligences—both focus on internal mental processes, but cognitivism treats cognition as universal while Multiple Intelligences emphasizes individual variation. Use cognitivism when explaining how all learners process information; use MI when justifying differentiated approaches.
These theories argue that learners actively build understanding rather than passively receiving it—knowledge isn't transmitted but constructed through experience and interaction.
Compare: Constructivism vs. Sociocultural Theory—both reject passive learning, but constructivism emphasizes individual meaning-making while sociocultural theory prioritizes collaborative knowledge construction. Vygotsky's ZPD is your go-to concept when explaining scaffolding or peer tutoring.
These frameworks place the whole person at the center—addressing motivation, identity, emotions, and personal transformation alongside cognitive growth.
Compare: Humanistic vs. Transformative Learning—both prioritize personal growth over content acquisition, but humanistic theory emphasizes nurturing environments while transformative theory embraces productive discomfort. Humanistic applies broadly; transformative is specifically designed for adult learning contexts.
This framework addresses how learning happens in digitally connected, rapidly changing environments where knowledge itself is distributed and evolving.
Compare: Connectivism vs. Cognitivism—both address how learners process information, but cognitivism assumes knowledge resides in individual minds while connectivism locates it across distributed networks. Use connectivism when discussing 21st-century skills, digital citizenship, or technology integration.
| Concept | Best Examples |
|---|---|
| External behavior focus | Behaviorism, Social Learning Theory |
| Internal mental processes | Cognitivism, Multiple Intelligences |
| Active knowledge construction | Constructivism, Experiential Learning |
| Social/cultural emphasis | Sociocultural Theory, Social Learning Theory |
| Whole-person development | Humanistic Learning, Transformative Learning |
| Individual differences | Multiple Intelligences, Humanistic Learning |
| Adult learning specifically | Transformative Learning, Experiential Learning |
| Technology and networks | Connectivism |
A teacher uses a token economy where students earn points for completed assignments. Which two theories most directly support this approach, and how do they differ in explaining why it works?
Compare and contrast how Constructivism and Sociocultural Theory would each explain the value of group problem-solving activities.
Which learning theory would best justify a curriculum that includes journaling, service learning, and portfolio assessment? What key concept from that theory supports your choice?
An FRQ asks you to recommend strategies for teaching digital research skills to high school students. Which theory provides the strongest framework, and what specific principles would guide your recommendations?
A curriculum designer wants to address diverse learner needs without tracking students by ability. Which two theories offer complementary approaches to differentiation, and what would each emphasize?