Five Educational Learning Theories

From childhood through adulthood, how we learn shapes who we are and what we know. Learning isn’t just about memorizing facts but is a complex process influenced by various educational learning theories. Understanding these theories can help educators, instructional designers, and other professionals transform how education is delivered, making it easier for students of all ages to grasp and retain knowledge.

Here, we’ll explore five key educational learning theories and a few supplemental theories that all educators, students, and lifelong learners should know to expand their cognitive development and enhance learning styles.

Educational learning theories examine how individuals acquire, process, and retain knowledge as they learn. These theories provide insights into the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that guide how learning happens. Modern teaching practices rely heavily on these theories to understand how students absorb new information and identify retention strategies. A learning theory helps educators define which methods are most effective regardless of whether a student is in a traditional classroom or an adult in a corporate training session.

For educators, administrators, and even parents, understanding learning theories is critical. These frameworks guide teaching strategies, shape curriculum development, and help educators create an environment that supports different learning styles. 

Students also benefit from these insights. By understanding how they learn best, students can alter their approach to better engage with the material and improve retention. Learning theories help people connect the dots between teaching methods and student outcomes, ensuring a more effective learning experience for everyone involved.  

Over decades of research, theorists have developed foundational educational theories to explain and optimize learning. Below are the five leading theories you should know.

Cognitive learning theory focuses on how the mind processes and stores information. It emphasizes understanding mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving. Jean Piaget’s stages of cognitive development are central to this theory, explaining how learners progress from mastering basic stimuli to grasping complex, abstract ideas. Educators often use this theory to design activities that engage students in active problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Behaviorism centers on the idea that learning is shaped by responding to stimuli. Pioneered by theorists like B.F. Skinner, this theory emphasizes observable behaviors rather than internal mental states. Key methods include reinforcement (positive or negative) to encourage desired behaviors. For example, offering rewards for good academic performance is a behaviorist approach often seen in classrooms. 

Constructivism asserts that learners build their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflection. Educational theorists like Lev Vygotsky championed this approach by highlighting the importance of social interaction in learning. Teachers applying constructivism might use group activities or hands-on experiments to engage students in meaningful and interactive ways. 

The humanism learning theory prioritizes the development of the whole individual, including emotional well-being and personal growth. Championed by figures like Carl Rogers, this theory emphasizes self-directed learning and creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe to explore their potential. Teachers using this approach may focus on student choice and intrinsic motivation to inspire lifelong learning habits. 

A more modern addition, connectivism relates to learning in the digital age. It focuses on how technology and networks facilitate the sharing and acquisition of knowledge. Theorists like George Siemens have explored how learners connect to various sources of information, including online forums, videos, and digital tools. Connectivism is crucial in today’s classrooms, as students increasingly rely on online learning resources and collaborative platforms. 

While the above theories lay the foundation, several others also offer valuable insights for specialized learning contexts. 

This theory, often associated with Jack Mezirow, focuses on how adults learn by reassessing their assumptions and perspectives. It’s particularly beneficial for adult learning as it emphasizes critical reflection and the possibility of changing one’s viewpoints through new information and experiences. 

Developed by Albert Bandura, social learning theory emphasizes that people learn by observing others. It highlights the importance of modeling behavior, collaboration, and social interactions, making it especially useful in group learning scenarios. 

Experiential learning, championed by David Kolb, suggests that learning occurs through experience, followed by reflection. This hands-on approach is perfect for students who thrive in practical settings such as internships, simulations, or laboratory work. 

Understanding educational learning theories can have a significant impact on both teaching and learning. Here’s how they shape educational environments: 

• Providing students with structure and a comfortable, steady environment.

• Helping educators, administrators, students, and parents align goals and outcomes.

• Empowering teachers to determine their educational approach based on the needs of their students. 

• Promoting engagement by tailoring methods to different learning styles.

• Enhancing retention by using techniques that resonate with individual preferences and cognitive development.

Applying learning theories doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your teaching methods. Here are specific tips to integrate these ideas into your work as an educator: 

• Use a mix of teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles. Combine lectures, hands-on activities, and group discussions to address the needs of different students.

• Create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to voice their thoughts and take risks.

• Leverage technology to support connectivism—not just as a teaching tool but also to promote collaboration and access to global resources. 

• Encourage reflection by asking students to journal about what they learned and how they can apply it in real-life situations.

• Set clear rewards or goals following principles of behaviorism to motivate and strengthen positive behaviors.

Educational learning theories form the blueprint for effective teaching and impactful learning. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding and apply these principles in your career, then earning a degree from WGU is the perfect next step. 

Our programs are designed to help educators refine their skills, align with advanced theories, and unlock the potential in every student. Interested in learning how WGU can support your teaching goals? Explore our education degrees today and shape the future of learning!