Learning Theories
Different views exists on the nature of learning. Based on observations and research, theories developed that help establish the basis for learning environments (Schunk 2012, 27). By looking in to the ways the people learn, museums develop effective educational programs. The theories serve as tools that can help museum educators ensure that visitors have and an educational experience at museums. Debate exists over which theory is most beneficial when creating educational experiences in museums. This essay describes behaviorism, the social cognitive theory and their applications for learning in museums.
Behaviorism is a conditioning learning theory (Schunk 2012, 114). Although the theory’s dominance started in the …show more content…
Another impracticality of this approach is that instruction takes place at all different levels based on their level of knowledge and rate of learning (Schunk 2012, 103). As educators prepare lessons and activities, goals are put in to place regarding learning outcomes. These behavioral objectives state clearly the desired outcomes of lessons planned (Schunk 2012, 104). Additionally, there are variables that affect the learner’s outcomes. Time is a variable that pays a key role in learning. Learning requires time. For example, a relatively new practice of block scheduling is allowing students to spend longer periods of time in a class and positive results are seen by this practice (Schunk 2012, 106). Positive results are witnessed from other applications such as mastery learning, contingency contracts, and programmed instruction with conditioning priciples of learning (Schunk 2012, …show more content…
These conversations reinforce their learning and recall past experiences and apply prior knowledge (Falk 2007, 19). The social nature of museums encourages free-choice learning and creates an environment that is open to various interactions, cultural perspectives, and enriches what museum exhibits can provide. Exhibition designers and museum educators develop programs that invite interactivity and provide opportunities for varying cultural interaction among visitors (Falk 2007, 28). Considerations are taken during design exhibit that allow visitors, families and children school groups to interact, engage in their choice of activity, and have conversations with peers (Falk 2007, 103). These opportunities for museum learning benefit visitors of all age groups, not just
Different views exists on the nature of learning. Based on observations and research, theories developed that help establish the basis for learning environments (Schunk 2012, 27). By looking in to the ways the people learn, museums develop effective educational programs. The theories serve as tools that can help museum educators ensure that visitors have and an educational experience at museums. Debate exists over which theory is most beneficial when creating educational experiences in museums. This essay describes behaviorism, the social cognitive theory and their applications for learning in museums.
Behaviorism is a conditioning learning theory (Schunk 2012, 114). Although the theory’s dominance started in the …show more content…
Another impracticality of this approach is that instruction takes place at all different levels based on their level of knowledge and rate of learning (Schunk 2012, 103). As educators prepare lessons and activities, goals are put in to place regarding learning outcomes. These behavioral objectives state clearly the desired outcomes of lessons planned (Schunk 2012, 104). Additionally, there are variables that affect the learner’s outcomes. Time is a variable that pays a key role in learning. Learning requires time. For example, a relatively new practice of block scheduling is allowing students to spend longer periods of time in a class and positive results are seen by this practice (Schunk 2012, 106). Positive results are witnessed from other applications such as mastery learning, contingency contracts, and programmed instruction with conditioning priciples of learning (Schunk 2012, …show more content…
These conversations reinforce their learning and recall past experiences and apply prior knowledge (Falk 2007, 19). The social nature of museums encourages free-choice learning and creates an environment that is open to various interactions, cultural perspectives, and enriches what museum exhibits can provide. Exhibition designers and museum educators develop programs that invite interactivity and provide opportunities for varying cultural interaction among visitors (Falk 2007, 28). Considerations are taken during design exhibit that allow visitors, families and children school groups to interact, engage in their choice of activity, and have conversations with peers (Falk 2007, 103). These opportunities for museum learning benefit visitors of all age groups, not just