Learning Theories
This psychologist proposed the hierarchy of needs, with self-actualization at the top.
Maslow
A teacher’s ability to maintain order and keep students focused.
Classroom management
Motivation driven by internal satisfaction.
Intrinsic motivation
This part of the brain is responsible for memory and learning and keeps forming new neurons throughout life.
The hippocampus
This color is often associated with calmness and can help reduce anxiety in classrooms.
Blue
Learning that happens by watching others’ behavior and its consequences.
Observational learning / Social learning
Rules describing expected behavior (e.g., “Respect others”).
Classroom expectations
According to Dweck, the mindset that sees challenges as opportunities.
Growth mindset
Research shows that this simple physical action can improve memory by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Light exercise / walking
On average, how long is the human attention span during lectures?
About 10–15 minutes
A theory stating that new knowledge connects to existing “schemas.”
Constructivist theory / Schema theory
A strategy that increases autonomy by giving students options.
Choice-based learning / Offering choices
Theory claiming competence, autonomy, and relatedness increase motivation.
Self-Determination Theory
This sensory input makes learning more memorable—students remember up to 65% of information when it includes it.
Visuals / visual input
This animal can recognize itself in a mirror, showing self-awareness—something rare in the animal kingdom.
A dolphin (also acceptable: chimpanzee, elephant)
Psychologist behind the Zone of Proximal Development.
Lev Vygotsky
Approach using consistent rewards and consequences to shape behaviour.
Behaviourist approach / Behaviour management system
Effect where teacher expectations influence student performance.
Pygmalion effect
According to studies, students retain information better when they teach it to someone else. This effect is called…
The protégé effect / learning-by-teaching effect
This psychological bias makes people remember failures or negative events more vividly than positive ones.
Negativity bias
A theory claiming that students build their own understanding rather than receive it passively.
Constructivism
Psychological principle stating that immediate feedback is more effective.
The immediacy principle
Strategy that boosts engagement by connecting content to students’ interests or goals.
Personal relevance / Interest-based learning
Psychologists say that doing this for just 6 minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 60%
Reading
This famous experiment showed that people obey authority even when orders conflict with personal morals.
The Milgram experiment