Holt Academy

Cognitive Behavioural Services

Learning Theory

Learning theories are ways we can describe how we learn to be the way we are.

A new-born infant is totally dependant on others for all its needs. With the passage of time it is gradually able to increase its independence with the acquisition of new skills. Thus, as time passes, a permanent, observable change in behaviour occurs i.e. learning takes place.

Two of the most important learning theories are classical and operant learning, developed by Pavlov and Skinner respectively.