ABSTRACT
This chapter describes and explains the constructivist theory of learning, followed by experiential learning theory and humanistic theory. The constructivist view of learning is concerned with how learners build or construct a cognitive model of the world. There are a number of educational theories that together provide a useful framework for understanding how individuals learn in groups and how teachers can use these theories to optimize learning. When applied to individual learning, the term ‘cognitive constructivism’ is often used but from the perspective of learning in groups possibly the most relevant strand of constructivist theory is that of ‘social constructivism’. Experiential learning theory, developed by David Kolb, attempts to provide a mechanism for how experience can be transformed into knowledge, skills and attitudes. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers developed a ‘humanistic’ or ‘person centred’ theory of the individual, which gives us a useful framework for dealing with individual learners.
