Table 1.
Learning Theories
| S/NO | Theory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Behaviourism | Learning by applying a stimulus and eliciting a response, ie, conditioning. |
| 2 | Cognitivism | Learning by acquiring and processing knowledge/information in the mind/internally. |
| 3 | Constructivism | Learning by constructing knowledge using past experiences, where an innate curiosity drives the independent ability of the learner to explore.49–51 |
| 4 | Nativist theory | Learning predetermined by heredity, ie, the concept that most knowledge and skills are inborn/hereditary. |
| 5 | Vygotskian theory | Learning by scaffolding teaching for a learner to master the landmark cultural mediators. |
| 6 | Instrumental learning theory | Focuses on individual experiences where the consequences of a voluntary behaviour strengthen or weaken learning, and it is explained by both cognitive and behaviourist learning theories.52 |
| 7 | Humanistic learning theory of Maslow | Aims to produce individuals who are internally motivated, self-directed and have the ability for self-actualisation.26 |
| 8 | Transformative learning theory | Explains how critical reflection may be utilized to question assumptions and beliefs.28 |
| 9 | Social theory of learning | How context and community may encourage and guide the learner. |
| 10 | Motivational theory | How autonomy, competence, and feeling of belonging (relatedness) initiate as well as sustain intrinsic motivation and reflection required for learning.28 An example of a motivational model is self-determination theory.53,54 |