Overview of the Learning Theories

Understanding how students learn, and particularly how they learn to read and write, influences the instructional approaches that teachers use. The table below presents an overview of the four learning theories: Behaviorism, Constructivism, Sociolinguistics, and Cognitive/Information Processing.

Orientation	Theory	Characteristics	Applications
Teacher-Centered	Behaviorism	Focuses on observable changes in behavior Views the teacher's role as providing information and supervising practice Describes learning as the result of stimulus-response actions Uses incentives and rewards for motivation	Basal readers Minilessons Repeated readings
Student-Centered	Constructivism	Describes learning as the active construction of knowledge Recognizes the importance of background knowledge Views learners as innately curious Advocates collaboration, not competition Suggests ways to engage students so they can be successful	Literature focus units K-W-L charts Reading logs Thematic units Word sorts
	Sociolinguistics	Emphasizes the importance of language and social interaction on learning Views reading and writing as social and cultural activities Explains that students learn best through authentic activities Describes the teacher's role as scaffolding students' learning Advocates culturally responsive teaching Challenges students to confront injustices and inequities in society	Literature circles Shared reading Buddy reading Reading and writing workshop Author's chair
	Cognitive/Information Processing	Compares the mind to a computer Recommends integrating reading and writing Views reading and writing as meaning-making processes Explains that readers' interpretations are individualized Describes students as strategic readers and writers	Guided reading Graphic organizers Grand conversations Interactive writing Reciprocal questioning

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