The way we learn as students and as teachers differs from one another based on a wide variety of things such as where we come from, what is going on in our lives, how we think, how we do daily activities, and much more. all these variables play a key part in how we learn and how other learn. We can also use these variables to determine what learning techniques and theories work best for each individual.

There are Five main learning theories:

1. Cognitive learning theory

2. Behaviorism learning theory

3. Humanistic learning theory

4. Constructivism learning theory

5. Connectivism learning theory

Cognitive Learning Theory:

Helps us understand how the mind works/ an individual thinks and processes information during instructional time and how they understand concepts. According to Clark (2018), it states that cognitivism consists of elements such as problem solving, reasoning, thinking, remembering and much more (pp.1).

Best fit/ examples:

Mrs. Hawkins second grade class has difficulties finding ideas to write about, so she incorporates graphic organizers into her lesson to help students break down their ideas and convert them to writing.

To ensure students are retaining information Mrs. Hawkins asks her second-grade class questions on material provided from the previous class lesson at the beginning on class.

Behaviorism Learning Theory:

This theory focuses on variety of rewards and punishment systems to encourage learning. There are positive and negative punishments as well as rewards. According to Clark (2018) “Behaviorism is often referred to as the Stimulus Response Theory.” (pp. 1). Behaviorism is achieved by a series of reinforcements and punishments (Clark 2018).

Best fit/ examples:

Mrs. Hawkins second grade class has a hard time staying on topic/ playing attention during the lessons, so she decided that at the end of the lesson which ever students paid the most attention and the most participation would receive a reward.

Humanistic Learning Theory:

This theory focuses on making sure that all the students' needs are met before attempting to teach as well as help an individual's personal and academic potentials. Western Governors University NC, (2020) states that student's behavior and success is based on influences and basic needs, this theory also places the students in charge of their learning and is student-based learning (Western Governors University NC, 2020).

Best fit/ examples:

Mrs. Hawkins asks her students every Monday morning about their weekend in depth to help the students relay ideas and allow for coping and guidance if needed as well as each weekday morning briefly how their night and evening were.

Constructivism Learning Theory:

This theory focuses on how new information provided to the students can be connected to prior knowledge of the student. According to Clark (2018) constructivism learning theory also discusses how past experiences and influences can affect the behavior of students and their learning (Clark 2018). classrooms are student centered with the teacher there for any help needed.

Best fit/ examples:

Mrs. Hawkins want to make sure all students are commending and retaining information during the lessons so she splits her second-grade class into groups of students with high and low performance mixed together so they could all express their thoughts and ideas throughout the class/ lesson.

Connectivism Learning Theory:

This theory discusses how knowledge is looked at as a process and that interactions and experiences all connect together when it comes to learning and how the student learns (Goldie, 2016). Goldie (2016) states the “ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.”. Also, this theory allows us to use technology to help with instruction and the students learning processes.

Best fit/ examples:

Mrs. Hawkins makes it her goal to make a personal connection with her students in her second-grade classroom.

Mrs. Hawkins incorporates students' hobbies into her lesson to help students engagement and connections in the lesson.