This is a scientific approach to learning that relates behaviour to the electrical and chemical events taking place inside the body. It emphasises the need to understand activities within the brain and nervous system, together their effect upon behavioural and mental processes.

Cotton (1995) argues that this approach is very helpful for understanding learning. In particular, it emphasises the need to be aware of the sensitivity of, for example, the ears, eyes and noses.  It also enables the teacher/lecturer to decide on how to attract and maintain attention, since it provides an understanding of how the brain functions - including channels of communication and processing of information.

Useful knowledge about information processing which is central to other approaches to learning (e.g. the cognitive approach) is based on physiological data. Additionally, most of the advances in the scientific understanding of memory, brain processes and resulting behaviour are also of direct use to other approaches to learning.

On a positive note, the suggestion that the normal human brain has an almost infinite capacity is important: it means that almost everyone is educable. Given enough time and the right opportunities, everyone can learn anything.

Reference:

• Cotton, J. (1995) The Theory of Learning: An Introduction, London, Kogan Page.