The Decline of Learning Theory as an Influence on Pedagogy: A Cross-Disciplinary Analysis

• In Event: Framing and Epistemology and Theories of Learning

Abstract

There is broad agreement that the purpose of teaching is student learning. As a consequence, learning theory historically has played a central role in pedagogy. However, this influence is complicated by the multi-paradigmatic character of learning theory–the separate and discrete notions of learning advanced in various branches of psychology (e.g., behavioral, developmental, sociocultural). I argue that Education has failed to find an effective way to deal with this paradigmatic diversity; hence, learning theory is losing ground as a pedagogical influence to neurobiology and cognitive style theory that have far less potential to provide useful guidance. I advance a new crossdisciplinary response to the multi-paradigmatic character of learning theory that organizes learning theoretic contributions for education more productively.

Author

• David Kirshner, Louisiana State University