The Role of Learning Theories in Education (OCR GCSE Psychology): Revision Note

Application of learning theories to education

Dweck: growth mindsets applied to education

• Based on Dweck’s theory of fixed and growth mindsets, educators are encouraged to focus on helping students see intelligence as changeable and improvable, rather than fixed at birth

• Making assumptions about students’ abilities based on IQ scores or test results can limit their potential

  • Instead, teachers should promote the belief that ability can grow with effort, strategy, and perseverance

In practice

• Teachers can set small, achievable goals so students experience success and gain confidence

• Praise should focus on effort and persistence, not innate ability

  • E.g. “You worked really hard on that problem,” rather than “You’re so clever”

• Students must also be given strategies and tools to help them succeed

  • Simply asking them to “try harder” is not enough to build a growth mindset

• This approach helps develop resilience, motivation, and self-belief, encouraging long-term learning and improvement

Willingham: meaning of information

• Willingham challenged the popular idea of learning styles

  • He argued that there is no scientific evidence to show that teaching according to a preferred style improves learning

• Instead, he emphasised that understanding and meaning are what make learning effective

  • Students learn best when they focus on the content of what they are learning, not on how it is presented

In practice

• Teachers should help students make meaningful connections between ideas

  • E.g. when teaching research methods, rather than memorising definitions, students could:

    • compare different studies that all investigate the same thing

    • identify which methods were used

    • evaluate how effective those methods were in explaining behaviour

• This approach helps students deepen understanding and apply knowledge to new situations, improving critical thinking and retention

Comparing learning theories to education

• Both Dweck’s and Willingham’s theories promote evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning

  • Dweck’s theory encourages teachers to foster positive beliefs about learning and intelligence

  • Willingham’s theory helps educators focus on meaningful understanding rather than unproven learning preferences

• Together, they support a growth-orientated, concept-driven model of education that builds motivation, confidence, and long-term academic success