Role of Learning Theory in Educational Psychology

Abstract

This paper contains proposals that it is both valuable and useful for teachers and teachers in training to study learning theory as a component of educational psychology. To that end, the positions of 15 learning theorists are summarized on nine dimensions to identify similarities and differences between their positions. The “landscape” of beliefs for each theorist is charted to locate focal points for students to examine their own beliefs as contrasted with and congruent with these established positions. An organizational template is also offered to illustrate the value of intellectual manipulation of theoretical concepts as an exercise to promote understanding of learning theory.