A learning theory

A learning theoryis a coherent framework of integrated constructs and principles that describe, explain, or predict how people learn learning, educational psychology provides alternative theories and perspectives on how learning occurs and what motivates people to learn and change 
a number of popular notions and myths about learning (e.g., “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” “Males are more intelligent than females,” “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”). In addition ,the major learning theories have wide applicability and form the foundation of not only the field of education but also psychological counseling
Behaviorist learning theories :Focusing mainly on what is directly observable the learning process is relatively simple .Generally ignoring what goes on inside the individual—which, of course, is always difficult to ascertain—behaviorists closely observe responses and then manipulate the environment to bring about the intended change
in education and clinical psychology, behaviorist theories are more likely to be used in combination with other learning theories Behaviorist theory continues to be considered useful in nursing and health care
Cognitive learning :Cognitive theory: is assumed to be comprised of a number of sub theories and is widely used in education and counseling. The key to learning and changing is the individual’s cognition (perception, thought, memory, and ways of processing and structuring information).Cognitive learning, a highly active process largely directed by the individual, involves perceivingthe information, interpreting it based on what is already known, and then reorganizingthe information into new insights or understandi
Social learning theory :is a perspective on learning that includes consideration of the personal characteristics of the learner, behavior patterns, and the environment
Psychodynamic learning theories: typically treated as a learning theory, some of the constructs from the psychodynamic theory (based on the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers) have significant implications for learning and changing behavior
Psychodynamic learning theories: typically treated as a learning theory, some of the constructs from the psychodynamic theory (based on the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers) have significant implications for learning and changing behavior
Largely a theory of motivation stressing emotions rather than cognition or responses ,the psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the importance of conscious and unconscious forces in guiding behavior, personality conflicts, and the enduring effects of childhood experiences
Humanistic Learning Theory: especially compatible with nursing’s focus on caring and patient centeredness—an orientation that is increasingly challengedby the emphasis in medicine and health care on science, technology, cost efficiency, for-profitmedicine, bureaucratic organization, and time pressures .Like the psychodynamic theory, the humanistic perspective is largely a motivational theory.
the learning theories are compared with regard to:1.Their fundamental procedures for changing behavior2. The assumptions made about the learner3.The role of the educator in encouraging learning4.The sources of motivation for learning5.The ways in which learning is transferred to new situation and