Learning theories play a crucial role in the delivery of continuing medical education (CME). These approaches are foundational to how educators craft CME content for diverse audiences.
What Is a Learning Theory?
A learning theory refers to the ways that students learn and retain information. Educators adapt content and materials to these styles, depending on the topic or the students’ needs.
There are five major learning theories (although experts have studied dozens of others). Understanding these approaches provides benefits for students and educators alike, including:
- Structured learning
- Goal alignment
- Learning and retention improvement
- Flexible education
Types of Learning Theories
Explore the five major learning theories (and one bonus theory) for a better understanding of how they affect your education.
1. Behaviorism
Behaviorism is an educator-centered approach that focuses on the idea that the mind is a blank slate prepared to absorb knowledge.
With this method, teachers strive to create an environment that can elicit a desired response. Generally, there are a few common characteristics in these classrooms, including:
- Routines
- Consistency
- Repetition
- Reinforcement
- Recognition
The goal is to help people learn by observing others, including their teachers and peers, and responding to external stimuli. Educators and content designers can entice students with incentives and aesthetically pleasing materials.
2. Cognitivism
Cognitivism focuses more on the learner’s thoughts than behaviorism. This theory posits that learning occurs while students interpret and organize information.
Educators with a cognitive approach emphasize connections between previous learning and new ideas. They also incorporate student perspectives in classroom activities to foster respect.
Popular activities in a cognitivism-based classroom include:
- Journaling
- Group discussion
- Simulations
- Concept maps
The goal is to design experiences that capture attention and promote active learning.
3. Constructivism
Much like construction requires a foundation before building can begin, constructive learning builds on students’ base knowledge.
This learning style theory is more “active” than behaviorism and cognitivism. Some of the activities found in these classrooms include:
- Group discussions
- Peer or educator evaluation
- Journal clubs
- Hands-on seminars and workshops
- Open-ended questions
Think of it this way: an interactive workshop helps students practice applying the information in more realistic scenarios, allowing them to understand how to put it into use later.
4. Connectivism
Connectivism is a contemporary learning theory that gained prominence with the rise of the digital age. In a connectivist classroom, people learn to use technology to enhance their education.
For example, students should learn how to parse through information online to conduct reliable research. That could be through simple web searches or complex databases. Educators may focus on students’ ability to find and share reputable information on Internet forums and social media as well.
Researching and recording a podcast is an example of an exercise that helps students develop digital literacy and collaboration skills.
5. Humanism
Humanism is the most learner-centered approach, emphasizing the person more than the material. Some people think of it like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: educators should meet their students’ emotional and academic needs.
Characteristics present in humanism-centered classrooms include:
- Personalized education
- Teacher-student rapport
- Group work
- Self-evaluation
Learners feel more in control of their education when their needs are fulfilled.
Bonus: Social Learning Theory
Social learning theory is another educational method that combines elements of behaviorism with social mechanics. In this classroom, students learn by watching and imitating others, whether directly or indirectly.
One example of this in medical education could be a CPR tutorial. Students may watch and learn what to do before practicing. Even if they don’t get to practice, the idea is that by observing the correct way to perform CPR, the student will know what to do later.
<h2>Find CME That Matches Your Preferred Learning Approach</h2>
CME continues to change as technology advances and new industry developments emerge. However, the adoption of these learning theories makes it easy to find CME that fits your needs, from hands-on workshops to lectures.
Browse upcoming CME conferences to discover events that match your interests!