IDAT 211 - Types of learning

In order to design a successful learning tool we must understand what kind of learning technique we wish to use.  In the last lecture we had for this module the three main concepts of pscyhology for learning were covered.  These were:

• Behaviourist Theory
• Cognitivist Theory
• Constructivist Theory

In order to follow the brief and make a successful design that would be effective in teaching a student, we must decide on a specific one of these theories to draw upon when designing the teaching method we intend to use.

Firstly there is behaviourism which is based on a structured reinforced learning method involving both positive and sometimes negative reinforcement of behaviour. Experiments into behaviourism were initially conducted by psychologists such as Pavlov and Skinner who experimented with conditioning animals to behave in particular ways using reinforcement.  In terms of designing a learning tool which adhere to behaviourist methods the tool must also be well structured and monitored involving drill procedures that teaches the student a topic by rewarding for correct answers and continually working at the topic until the students behaviour i.e their answers are continuously correct. 
The behaviourist method very much fits the topic of music theory as along with practical music learning it is a very drill based topic that requires repeated practice before the knowledge is permanantly stored.  Similarly it is unlikely that someone would choose to be learning music theory without having some other monitoring by a tutor, although this could be possible if attempting self tuition.  Music theory is also a very structured practice as it has been taught for many years and can become complicated.  By structuring the theory carefully from start to finish this ensures the learner has the necessary understanding for the next section and so the structured approach of behaviourism is also suited to music theory.

The second type of learning is cognitive.  Cognitivist theory is based on the idea that we hold a model of the world inside our heads and use this to understand the world around us, classified as symbolic processing.  The theory focuses around cognitive processes such as memory and the way in which we structure the information in our heads through classification and modelling to gain an understanding.  Therefore a design for learning based on the cognitive model would need to be based on classifications, and also focus on getting the user to know what they have learnt and how to use it (metaknowledge). 
This method of design for learning may partially fit the topic of music theory as uses should be able to apply the knowledge they have gained to various situations.  However the content of music theory is not very heirarchical and so would not fit the classification structure. Music theory is also not bery comparable to anything else and so the use of comparison in cognitive learning would not be of any use.

The final type of learning is constructivist. Constructivism suggests that learning is a building process based on interpretation and in which the teaching is indirect.  People learn through interaction with the world picking up knowledge as they go, and is a learner led method of learning.  To design for constructivist principles a tool would have to be very interactive based on the interpretations made by a user.  Examples of constructivist tools include interactive videos and role play which are user-centric allowing the learner to guide their own learning through the tool. 
Constructivism may be suited to the topic of music theory as long as the learning was interactive and developed according to the learners choices.  However this is not how music theory is best structured as it is a complex subject and needs to be carefully laid out so that the user has the knowledge required to move to the next step.  Also music theory is most likely supported by an external tutor and so the constructivist focus on indirect teaching does not fit all that well.

Ultimately our tool for music theory ought to use the behavioural model of learning as it is the learning method that is most expected by the users, mainly because it is the most effective method according to the type of information that needs to be transferred to the learner.