Learning theories are conceptual frameworks describing how information is absorbed, processed, and retained during learning. Cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences, as well as prior experience, all play a part in how understanding, or a world view, is acquired or changed and knowledge and skills retained.

Learning theory may refer to:

• Learning theory (education), the process of how humans learn
  • Behaviorism (philosophy of education)
  • Cognitivism (philosophy of education)
  • Constructivism (philosophy of education)
  • Connectivism
  • Educational philosophies, an academic field that examines the definitions, goals and meaning of education, or of specific educational philosophies.
  • E-learning (theory), a cognitive science of effective multimedia e-learning
  • Humanism (philosophy of education)
  • Instructional theory
  • Social cognitive theory