Behaviorist theory is a learning perspective by which we can learn elements through our regular day-to-day behaviors. The theory indicates “learning is a product of the stimulus conditions (S) and responses (R) that follows” (Bastable 2008). One of the very important aspects of the theory is that it makes the educators think in a target-oriented way, and thus, the teaching process is dependent on both parties. In this way, the learners understand that what is expected from them and they can also track their progress. The learner in this process can visualize what he/she needs to do to achieve the targets. Psychodynamic is the process that was developed by the great thinker Sigmund Freud. The flow of psychological processes in the complex human brain is the basis of the psychodynamics of the psychological energy of the person (Brethower 2007). It is a somewhat less intensive form of psychology and is one of the learning theories but due to certain complexities, the educators do not prefer it in most cases.
The Cognitive (or the Thinking domain) is primarily based on the formation of information and the development of the intellectual abilities of the learner. In other words, it is the information processing aspect of one’s psychological functions and hence one of the best learning processes that can be discussed. The humanistic process is the learning procedure that practically focuses on human values and concerns. It basically deals with ethics and cultures, and it also teaches a learner to think in a humanistic way, and thus it helps to develop a humanistic point of view. It has got a long literary history. The last of the theories is the Social Learning Theory.
It is a kind of observational aspect of learning, and it is mainly used to learn the social factors in an environment. The advocates of this theory say that if the learners watch positive behaviors around then it is sure that these behaviors will affect their mind to learn the goods of the society and they will ultimately adopt the behaviors in themselves. In a general way of thinking, I feel that all the ways are really important for a person to learn but one thing must be included in the process and that is the value of experience. Experience is one of the most important teachers and we can not deny the value of experience in learning (Bastable 2008).
On a personal note, all five aspects of learning are equally important for a learner for the learning process. However, along with all these strategies, the learner has to face some practical situations where he or she can use his or her learning. The success of learning can be seen when a person uses the learning in day-to-day life, or when is in some kind of problem. While a humanistic attitude will shape the mind of the person, cognitive thinking will make him think incorrect directions, and social learning will mold him into a social animal, at that time his skill in psychodynamics will help him to face the complex problems of life. And along with that his practical experiences will surely make him able to compete against all the animosities of the world. Learning of every kind is the ultimate boon in human life and the proper learning process can alter human life. In the ways of learning a person can have a round view of knowledge (Brethower 2007).
References
Bastable, S. (2008). Nurse as educator: Principles of teaching and learning for nursing practice (3rd ed.). Boston: Jones & Bartlett.
Brethower, D. (2007). Integrating theory, research, and practice in human performance technology: Examples from behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist theories. Performance Improvement 39(4), 33-43.