William James publishes "The Principles of Psychology"
William James, often regarded as the father of American psychology, published "The Principles of Psychology," laying foundational ideas for later development in learning theories.
1890
1904
Ivan Pavlov's Classical Conditioning
Ivan Pavlov's research on classical conditioning, through his experiments with dogs, became a cornerstone of behaviorist learning theory.
1913
John B. Watson and Behaviorism
John B. Watson published "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It," marking the formal establishment of behaviorism as a major school of thought in learning theories.
1936
Jean Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
Jean Piaget introduced his theory of cognitive development, emphasizing the stages of mental development and their importance in learning processes.
1943
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow proposed the Hierarchy of Needs, which plays a significant role in understanding motivational aspects of learning theories.
1948
B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning
B.F. Skinner published "Walden Two," elaborating on operant conditioning and its implications for learning and behavior modification.
1956
Benjamin Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives
Benjamin Bloom introduced Bloom's Taxonomy, categorizing educational goals and providing a framework for educators to structure learning objectives.
1960
Jerome Bruner's Discovery Learning
Jerome Bruner proposed the theory of discovery learning, emphasizing the importance of structure in learning and the role of the teacher in facilitating learning experiences.
1963
Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura introduced the Social Learning Theory, highlighting the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the learning process.
1971
Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Paulo Freire published "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," advocating for critical pedagogy and the role of education in empowering marginalized communities.
1977
Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
Lev Vygotsky's work on sociocultural theory was posthumously recognized, emphasizing the role of social interaction and cultural context in learning.
1983
Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner introduced the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, challenging the traditional view of intelligence and proposing a broader range of cognitive abilities.
1985
David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory
David Kolb published his Experiential Learning Theory, focusing on the process of learning through experience and the cyclical nature of learning.
1991
Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger's Situated Learning Theory
Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger introduced the concept of situated learning, emphasizing the importance of context and community in the learning process.
2000
John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory
John Sweller developed the Cognitive Load Theory, providing insights into how the cognitive capacity of learners can be optimized for effective learning.
2008
George Siemens' Connectivism
George Siemens proposed Connectivism, a theory for the digital age, highlighting the role of networks and digital technology in the learning process.
