Learning Theories Atlas
How learning is theorized, mapped in one place
274 nodes spanning 6 philosophies of science, 12 mega-paradigms, and the theories, frameworks, approaches, principles, and constructs they generate — with their lineage, convergence, and opposition explicit.
Reading the map
- Hue = paradigm family
- Lightness = abstraction layer
- Size = scope
ParadigmTheoryConstruct
Edge meanings
- Lineage · influence
- Convergence · integration
- Opposition · critique
- Hierarchy · containment
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Tip: filter by paradigm or type via the legend (bottom-left).
Guide · Reading the Atlas
What each layer and edge means
Every node in the atlas belongs to one of seven layers, from foundational philosophies down to fine-grained constructs. Lines between nodes carry one of four relations.
The seven layers, top to bottom
Philosophy
A foundational stance on what counts as knowledge — ontology, epistemology, methodology.
Examples: Positivism, Pragmatism, Interpretivism, Critical Realism.
Paradigm
A cluster of theories sharing core commitments about how learning happens.
Examples: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Sociocultural, Connectivist.
Theory
An explanatory account specifying the causal mechanisms of learning.
Examples: Cognitive Load Theory, Self-Determination Theory, Communities of Practice.
Framework
An organising structure for design, analysis, or measurement, not itself a causal explanation.
Examples: TPACK, SOLO Taxonomy, UDL, Understanding by Design.
Approach
A named pedagogical method derived from one or more theories.
Examples: Problem-Based Learning, Reciprocal Teaching, Flipped Classroom.
Principle
An empirically established generalisation about effective learning conditions.
Examples: Spacing effect, Retrieval Practice, Worked Examples.
Construct
A theoretical concept used across theories to name a learning phenomenon.
Examples: Working Memory, Self-Efficacy, Zone of Proximal Development.
The four edge relations
Lineage
A directly shaped the development of B (intellectual ancestry).
Example: Piaget → Radical Constructivism.
Convergence
A and B independently arrived at compatible commitments and now integrate.
Example: Growth Mindset ↔ Self-Efficacy.
Opposition
A and B disagree on a substantive premise; one critiques the other.
Example: Situated Cognition ↔ classical Transfer.
Hierarchy
B is contained within A (parent-child membership).
Example: Cognitivism contains Cognitive Load Theory.
Tip: hue encodes paradigm family; lightness encodes the layer (paradigm darkest, construct lightest).
Click any paradigm to open it
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Node types · click to filter
PARADIGMMega-cluster sharing core commitments
THEORYExplanatory account with mechanisms
FRAMEWORKOrganizing structure for design or analysis
APPROACHPedagogical orientation or named method
PRINCIPLEEmpirically established generalization
CONSTRUCTTheoretical concept used across theories
Edge meaning
Hierarchy · containment
Lineage · influence
Opposition · critique
Convergence · integration