Abstract Theories of learning and development provide important knowledge on which educational practices and activities are based. This document discusses the roles of teachers, factors which motivate learners and how learners acquire information as well as the factors which influence curriculum design and delivery as explained by cognitive, constructivism, social, behavioral learning as well as development theories. Introduction Teaching and learning are important but complex activities and therefore it is essential that educators understand the factors which motivate learners to absorb things they observe, hear or read. The lack of attention to the factors underpinning the learning process certainly leads to impoverishment of education. Learning and developmental theories provide a basis for understanding the role of the teacher as the instructional leader, factors which motivate learners to learn as well as factors which influence curriculum design and delivery process. Several cognitive, social, constructivism, behavioral and development theories have been used to explain the importance of teachers’ and learners’ participation and role in the learning process, and the need for structured curriculum and instructions. Skinner’s Behavioral Theory of Learning Skinner’s behavioral theory of learning focuses on how contingencies of reinforcement can shape human behavior. In other words, it explains conditions in which reinforcement for a learner can be made conditional on a desired response. Skinner’s behavioral theory emphasizes that teaching involves “arranging contingencies of reinforcement effectively to bring about learning” (Hartley, 1998). As such, the teacher should carefully use reinforcement and punishments, depending on the situation, to enable learners develop high level capabilities such as creativity and critical thinking (Armstrong & Elkind, 2006). It also the role of the teachers to develop clear objectives to be accomplished in the lesson or learning activity (Hartley, 1998). Skinner’s believes that learners are motivated to learn when they are actively involved in the learning process and are provided with learning activities which enable them interact with the environment. When learners are engaged in frequent practices and are also provided with positive reinforcements such as rewards while avoiding punishments, they are more likely to achieve learning (Hartley, 1998). Skinner’s behavioral theory has had significant influence on curriculum design and delivery. Most drill as well as practice exercises have their roots in Skinner’s reinforcement principles. The idea behind the drill and practice exercises is to increase the frequency of accurate answering in response to stimuli (Kytle, 2004). Practice exercises are normally used to help learners memorize important concepts or basic information that they need to learn. Besides, the learning content is usually broken down into small achievable steps beginning from the simple to complex to enhance acquisition (Hartley, 1998). Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory Bandura’s theory focuses on learning that takes place within social context. Bandura argues that human beings learn from one another through observation, imitation and modeling (David, 2002). Just like Skinner, Bandura also believes that punishment and reinforcement play a significant role in human learning and that the environment also plays an important role in modeling and learning (David, 2002). Bandura’s argues that learning takes place when behavior is observed and retained through imitation and modeling and reprodu