COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LEARNING THEORIES: BEHAVIOURISM, COGNITIVISM, CONSTRUCTIVISM AND CONNECTIVISM
Keywords:
behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, learning theories, pedagogy.Abstract
This article provides a comparative analysis of four major theoretical paradigms in education: behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism. The paper examines the historical development, key proponents, and theoretical foundations of each theory. Similarities and fundamental differences between the theories are scientifically analysed. While behaviourism explains learning through stimulus-response mechanisms, cognitivism focuses on internal cognitive processes. Constructivism interprets knowledge as an active construction process, while connectivism explains learning through networks and technologies in the digital age. The article places particular emphasis on the relevance of connectivism and its role in contemporary education. The findings suggest that these theories do not negate each other but rather illuminate different facets of learning and complement one another.
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