Learning Theories: An Ontological Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to describe the meaning of learning and the theories that underlie it. This study uses a literature study approach. In general, the meaning of learning can be interpreted as a process of interaction between teachers and students and learning resources in the learning environment. When the teaching and learning process occurs, of course, every human being, especially an educator, cannot be separated from shortcomings, therefore effective and efficient learning theories must be applied in the teaching and learning process with the hope of being able to fully achieve the learning objectives. There are several learning theories, such as behavioristic, cognitive, humanistic, and constructivist. According to behavioristic theory, student behaviour changes due to the interaction of stimulus and response. The higher the stimulus-response, the more successful the learning process will be. According to cognitivist theory, the learning process is more important than learning outcomes. Learning must include complex thought processes, not just stimulus-response interactions. According to humanistic theory, humans essentially have a natural disposition. This theory helps people develop their talents and potential so that they can recognize themselves. The constructivist theory is a theory which holds that learning is not a process of transferring knowledge, but needs to be built/constructed by the students themselves, the learning centre must be carried out independently by the students, and the teacher is only a facilitator.