Learning is a complex process that varies from one person to another. Here are 5 major learning models developed by psychologists.
Learning is a complex process that varies from one individual to another. Psychologists have developed five major theories to address the real needs of learners. These learning models help decode behaviors and reactions in the classroom. They also provide strategies for solving problems throughout their learning journey. Teachers can use these theories to effectively meet each student’s needs. These approaches create a comprehensive learning environment where every element finds its place. This results in a more fulfilling educational environment, whether in school or in the workplace. Lemon Learning presents the five main learning models and the role of Learning by Doing in this guide!
The Behaviorist learning model is a very popular concept in classrooms.
Behaviorist learning theory, or behaviorism, focuses on how students learn. It asserts that the environment plays a role in behaviors, while inherited or innate factors have little influence on outcomes. Given that lifestyle and family environment impact reactions, teachers must work to improve these aspects.
For example, an employee in your company might receive a bonus after signing a major contract. This employee will work harder to earn this reward. This is positive reinforcement and motivation, key elements of behaviorism.
How to Integrate This Theory into Corporate Training
Incorporate behaviorism into your company’s training programs. You can use behaviorism to show employees how to respond to certain stimuli. This pedagogy relies on the regular repetition of learnings to achieve the desired behavior. Employ techniques such as guided training, drills, or positive reinforcement.
✍️ Theory example
Implementing positive reinforcement in employee training programs using Skinner’s principles of operant conditioning.
Rationalism (or Cognitivism) emerged in 1956, the same year as the early steps of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This learning theory focuses more on processes rather than observed behavior.
Unlike Behaviorism and Learning by Doing, cognitivists focus on internal processes and observed connections during learning. According to cognitivism, the “black box of the mind” must be understood and opened. Your employees become information processors, and knowledge is a schema. Here, learning involves changing the learner’s schemas. This pedagogy emerged as a reaction to behaviorism.
How to Adopt This Pedagogy in Training
Your employees are active participants in the learning process. They use strategies to construct, learn, and process their personal understanding of the content.
✍️ Theory example
Using schema theory to improve employee onboarding materials to connect new information to prior knowledge.
Why not opt for constructivism? The Constructivist learning model is based on a simple principle: learners must actively construct their own knowledge. They use their prior knowledge as a foundation for gaining practical experience. Learning by Doing draws inspiration from this active participation pedagogy.
This pedagogy involves learning through practice. Your employees are directly engaged in activities that help them experience their learning. They don’t just learn theories, which promotes long-term information retention. This method helps better understand and integrate new knowledge.
Learning by Doing relies on two fundamental elements: repetition and imitation. The latter encourages employees to adopt new processes once stakeholders exhibit the same behavior, facilitating digital adoption. Repetition involves reinforcing a new skill. For instance, someone learning to play the violin might first study theoretical materials before practicing. Learning through practice means playing directly and formulating notes in real-time.
The advantages of Learning by Doing are numerous. Practical learning reinforces information retention. It also plays a role in the efficiency and autonomy of your employees, who can solve complex problems, saving time and reducing training costs. It also supports each employee through changes within the company.
How to Integrate Practical Learning into Training
Learning by Doing is highly useful in change management and traditional corporate training. Advances in digital technology require support in mastering numerous tools. You can use this pedagogy to help your employees learn via the art of practice. Our digital adoption software is designed to guide them through learning.
At Lemon Learning, we primarily focus on Learning by Doing. We offer contextual tutorials and interactive guides. These solutions:
They are integrated into our application interfaces, allowing users to learn through hands-on experience.
✍️ Theory example
Role-playing scenarios based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle for Sales teams.
The Connectivist learning model is the latest to date, relying on new technologies and collective learning.
Connectivism explains how technologies and the internet have created new learning opportunities. These technologies include websites, social media, discussion forums, and emails. They allow employees to discover new concepts and better share information with others.
How to Integrate This Theory into Training Programs
According to connectivism, much learning can occur through social networks. You can guide your employees towards online information, addressing their concerns and sharing your knowledge.
Encourage your employees to seek information online and share their findings. This will create a truly connected and supportive community within your company.
✍️ Theory example
Integrating Social Media and Learning Management Systems to foster Connectivist Learning.
Humanist theory places the learner at the center of the learning process. It is based on the work of humanist psychologists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
This pedagogy focuses on all dimensions of the individual: thoughts, emotions, intellect, social relationships, and skills. You should emphasize the autonomy and self-esteem of your employees for successful teaching. The educator must also create a supportive environment and value each individual as a person.
How to Integrate a Humanist Approach into Corporate Training
Promote positive relationships among your employees. Organize company events like such as after work sports, meals, or drinks. Engage in team-building activities to strengthen bonds. Respect your employees as individuals. Help your employees achieve their personal and professional goals. Challenge them to surpass themselves and tackle new challenges.
Among the most popular learning models, Learning by Doing is a proven training method. It draws from the constructivist model and transforms software adoption in companies. This pedagogy relies on practice to learn and thus improves your employees’ performance. Autonomy and information retention are enhanced, significantly impacting company results. Trust Lemon Learning to integrate the learning by doing approach into your company!
✍️ Theory examples
Building personalized learning pathways inspired by Humanist principles.
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Learning by Doing is a training method that promotes practical hands-on experiences (instructional, learning while working).
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