One way to think about learning theories is took at how the different approaches can be manifested as models. One such grouping is the following:

• Constructionist or Inductive Model
  A view of learning that says that learners develop their own understanding of the way the world works rather than having it delivered to them by others (i.e., teachers) in an already-organized form. (Sometimes called "active learning")

• Direct Instruction Model
  A teacher-centered strategy that uses teacher explanation and modeling combined with student practice and feedback to teach concepts and skills. (Often termed a behavioral approach to learning)

• General Inquiry Model
  A teaching strategy designed to teach students how to investigate problems and questions with facts. The Inquiry Model is implemented in five steps:
  1. Identifying a question or problem
     
  2. Making hypotheses
     
  3. Gathering data
     
  4. Assessing hypotheses
     
  5. Generalizing
  
  (This model is sometimes called the scientific approach or information processing model)

• Cooperative Learning Model
  A cluster of instructional strategies that actively involve students in group work towards a common goal. With this model a lot of attention is paid to the characteristics of the classroom environment and the roles of the teacher and students in the environment. (Sometimes called social learning)

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Reflective Questions

• How do these definitions of models match the descriptions (and names) of learning theories you encountered in your reading?

• On what basis (bases) would you select one learning theoretic approach over another?

• How would you design an instructional session based on each one of these approaches?

• What motivates a student to learn?

• Is there a relationship between your beliefs about motivation and your embrace of one learning theory approach over another?