Abstract
This chapter discusses some of the characteristics of human learning and of its counterpart, teaching. It considers the ‘learner’ as a person and there are references to the low and high achievers that featured in the previous chapter. The work of B. F. Skinner and of Bruner provides the main framework for the discussion which also demonstrates the relationship between their theories and the stages of cognitive development described by Piaget. Further information on Piagetian theories can be found in the introduction to chapter 8.
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References
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Annotated reading
Bigge, L. (1976) Learning Theories for Teachers (3rd edn). New York: Harper & Row. One of the best and most comprehensive surveys of learning theories and their application to teaching.
Bruner, J.S. (1961) The Process of Education. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
Bruner, J.S. (1966) Towards a Theory of Instruction. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
Bruner, J.S. (1973) The Relevance of Education. New York: Norton. Bruner’s ideas are expounded in a number of highly readable texts, of which these three are good examples.
Fontana, D. (1977) Personality and Education. London: Open Books. Gives a more general discussion, with an examination of the implications for the teacher.
Hintzman, L. (1978) The Psychology of Learning and Memory. San Francisco: Freeman. A good choice for those who want to take their study of learning theories rather further, and examine their relationship to memory.
Hunter, I.M.L. (1964) Memory (rev. edn). Harmondsworth: Pelican. Difficult to beat as an examination of all aspects of memory.
Klatsky, R.L. (1980) Human Memory (2nd edn). San Francisco: Freeman. A more up-to-date picture of this subject.
Mace, C.A. (1968) The Psychology of Study (rev. edn). London: MacDonald.
Rowntree, D. (1976) Learn How to Study. Harmondsworth: Pelican. Both these are highly recommended among the good books currently available on study habits.
Marjoribanks, K. (1979) Families and Their Learning Environments. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. Provides a thorough and scholarly survey of the research into the relationship between intelligence, personality, family variables and learning.
Neisser, U. (1976) Cognition and Reality. San Francisco: Freeman. Contains some of the major tenets of the cognitive position.
Rachlin, H. (1976) Introduction to Modern Behaviorism (2nd edn). San Francisco: Freeman. An excellent and very readable statement of the behaviourist position with in psychology.
Skinner, B.F. (1969) Contingencies of Reinforcement. A theoretical analysis. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Sets out Skinner’s own theoretical position fully.
Skinner, B.F. (1972) Beyond Freedom and Dignity. London: Jonathan Cape. Covers the application of his ideas to learning within society generally.
Wheeler, H. (ed.) (1973) Beyond the Punitive Society. London: Wildwood House. Provides a full debate on Skinner’s ideas.
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© 1981 The British Psychological Society
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Fontana, D. (1981). Learning and Teaching. In: Psychology for Physiotherapists. Psychology for Professional Groups. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16600-8_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-16600-8_4
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