Comparison of Learning Theories
This page will compare these different learning theories: Behaviorism, Constructivism, Cognitivism, Connectivism, Andragogy.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/609320_3f06d84218604c769909291d72c610fc~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_940,h_529,q_90/609320_3f06d84218604c769909291d72c610fc~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/609320_41cd368be47048cf9a92ed596efd91ac~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_940,h_529,q_90/609320_41cd368be47048cf9a92ed596efd91ac~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/609320_4dfc790c89384b5ba5a1beb029cd20b6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_940,h_529,q_90/609320_4dfc790c89384b5ba5a1beb029cd20b6~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/609320_0117a7b24c3248f0a0e12a41e330aabc~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_940,h_529,q_90/609320_0117a7b24c3248f0a0e12a41e330aabc~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/609320_fb654befb80840c28d6a86238778300a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_940,h_529,q_90/609320_fb654befb80840c28d6a86238778300a~mv2.png)
References
AlDadouh, A. A., Osório, A. J., & Portugal, S. C. (2015). Understanding knowledge network, learning and connectivism. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning,12(10), 3-21.
Burton, J. K., Moore, D. M., & Magliaro, S. G. (2004). Behaviorism and instructional technology. In D. H. Jonassen (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, 3–36. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers
Chance, P. (2014). Learning and behavior. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
Cochran, C. & Brown, S. (2016). Andragogy and the adult learner. In Supporting the Success of Adult and Online Students (pp.73-84). Createspace.
Emory, B. (2019). Cognitive load theory and instructional message design. In M. Ramlatchan (Ed.), Instructional Message Design: Theory, Research, and Practice, 1. Norfolk, VA: Kindle Direct Publishing.
Finlay, J. (n.d.). Andragogy (adult learning). [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLoPiHUZbEw
Graduate Student Instructor Teaching & Resource Center. (n.d.). Social constructivism. Berkeley Graduate Division. https://gsi.berkeley.edu/gsi-guide-contents/learning-theory-research/social-constructivism/
​
Gutierrez, K. (n.d.). Adult learning theories every instructional designer must know. Sh!ft. https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/adult-learning-theories-instructional-design
Hoose, N. A. (n.d.) Social cognitive learning theory. Lumen Learning. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/edpsy/chapter/social-cognitive-learning-theory/
Keramida, M. (2015, May 28). Behaviorism in instructional design for eLearning: When and how to use it. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/behaviorism-in-instructional-design-for-elearning-when-and-how-to-use
​
LaMorte, W.W. (2019). The social cognitive theory. Boston University School of Public Health. https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangetheories5.html#:~:text=Limitations%20of%20the%20model%20include,person%2C%20behavior%2C%20and%20environment
Mayer, R. (2009). Multimedia learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McLeod, S. A. (2019). What Is the zone of proximal development?. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/Zone-of-Proximal-Development.html
Michela, E. (2018). Cognitivism. In R. Kimmons, The students' guide to learning design and research. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/studentguide/cognitivism
Pappas, C. (2013). The adult learning theory - andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles. Elearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Pappas, C. (2014). 9 Tips to apply adult learning theory to eLearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/9-tips-apply-adult-learning-theory-to-elearning
Pappas, C. (2016). 7 tips to reduce cognitive overload in eLearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/7-tips-reduce-cognitive-overload-elearning
Schunk, D. H. (2016). Learning theories: An educational perspective (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. https://jotamac.typepad.com/jotamacs_weblog/files/Connectivism.pdf
Smith, M. K. (2019). Jerome Bruner and the process of education. Infed.org. https://infed.org/mobi/jerome-bruner-and-the-process-of-education/
Stangor, C. and Walinga, J. (2014). Introduction to psychology – 1st Canadian edition. Victoria, B.C.: BCcampus. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/
Tchoshanov, M. (2013). Engineering of learning: Conceptualizing e-didactics. Moscow: UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education.
Western Governors University. (2021). Connectivism learning theory. WGU Blog. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/connectivism-learning-theory2105.html#close