Table I Primary learning theories... | Emerald Publishing

Table I

Primary learning theories

	Behaviourism	Cognitivism	Constructivism
Definition of learning	Learning is the acquisition of new behaviour	Learning involves the acquisition and reorganisation of cognitive structures	Learning is search for meaning
Learner’s role	Passive participants in the learning process	Active participants in the learning process	Active participants in the learning process
Main strategy	Facilitates knowing what	Facilitates knowing how	Reflection in action
implications	Objective-based instruction Competency-based education Skill development and training	Concept maps Reflective thinking	Authentic case-based learning environment Reflective practice Collaborative construction of knowledge
Example of teaching method	Lecture Simulation Demonstration Programmed instruction	Problem solving Concept mapping Advanced organiser	Diaries/reflection Role modelling Problem-based learning Collaborative learning

	Behaviourism	Cognitivism	Constructivism
Definition of learning	Learning is the acquisition of new behaviour	Learning involves the acquisition and reorganisation of cognitive structures	Learning is search for meaning
Learner’s role	Passive participants in the learning process	Active participants in the learning process	Active participants in the learning process
Main strategy	Facilitates knowing what	Facilitates knowing how	Reflection in action
implications	Objective-based instructionCompetency-based educationSkill development and training	Concept mapsReflective thinking	Authentic case-based learning environmentReflective practiceCollaborative construction of knowledge
Example of teaching method	LectureSimulationDemonstrationProgrammed instruction	Problem solvingConcept mappingAdvanced organiser	Diaries/reflectionRole modellingProblem-based learningCollaborative learning

Source: adapted from Khalil and Elkhider (2016)