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Introduction
Introduction
Part
1: Variables Influencing Teaching and Learning
System Variables
Teacher
Variables
Learner
Variables
Part 2: The Seven Steps of Planning --Plus
One
Weekly Assignment 1
Evaluating
Learning
Weekly
Assignment 2
Analyzing Experiences
Feedback
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Most learning theory comes from
the field of educational
psychology. Learning theories usually define learning and address how
learning occurs. They may also describe structure and process involved
in learning, as well as ways to facilitate learning. Principles used to
guide teaching are derived from various learning theories, and the
teacher's understanding and use of these theories and principles is
another variable that affects the character and effectiveness of the
teaching-learning interaction.
There are a number of learning
theories. If you read about
learning theory, you will find that groupings and labels differ,
depending on the source. Very few teachers use one theory or group of
theories exclusively. Most of us use a combination of theories, often
determined, at least in part by other variables affecting a particular
situation. However, we may have a preferred theory or group of theories
that seem to be the best fit with our assumptions, values, beliefs, and
style.
Now we'll look briefly at three
groups or categories of
learning theory, summarizing the following for each group:
- Key points about theories
- Major theorists
- Information useful in application
Learning Theories
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Behaviorist
You're all familiar with behaviorist theory because it's taught in
general psychology courses, and it's very popular in nursing. Key
points in behaviorist theory include:
- Learning
is defined as observable change in behavior
- There is emphasis on the product or outcome, and
measurement of that
outcome
- Theories
focus on reinforcement of behavior elicited by stimuli
- Major theorists in this group include: Pavlov; Thorndike; Skinner; and
Bandura
Teaching "Tools" from behaviorist
theory
Behaviorist theories provide information about how the teacher can best
manipulate the environment to bring about learning. ( Note:
"manipulate" does not have a negative connotation in this context).
Examples of "tools" derived from behaviorist theory include:
- Strategies
like behavior modification
- Widespread use of behavioral objectives
- Focus on outcomes
of the teaching-learning interaction
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Cognitive
Cognitive theories deal with structure in learning. Key points in
cognitive theories include:
- Define learning in terms of internal structuring and processing of
information.
- Theories address both structuring the material to be
learned and the structure of
cognitive processes involved in learning
- Theorists have developed hierarchies for structuring content and
processes
- Major theorists include: Bloom; Gagne; Ausubel
Teaching "Tools" from cognitive theory
Cognitive
theories provide information about organizing and structuring
activities; matching learning activities to the level of cognitive
processing needed (recall, application, evaluation, etc.). Examples of
"tools" derived from cognitive theory include:
- Use
of advance organizers.
These are structures or frameworks, provided
prior to presenting content, that help organize that content
and/or
provide a structure on which to "hang" it. Study questions,
content
outlines, and conceptual frameworks are examples of advance organizers.
- Heirarchies or
taxonomies identifying , describing, and ordering cognitive
processes involved in learning.
- Information
matching
teaching strategies with levels of learning
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Humanist
Most of you know something about humanist learning theory, because it
is the home of adult learning theory. You may be familiar with the work
of Malcolm Knowles (sometimes called the father of adult learning) who
was on the faculty at NCSU for many years. Key points about theories in
this group include:
- Description of learning as a
function of the whole person
- Emphasis on the learner and the learning environment
- View the teacher as a facilitator
- Major theorists: Dewey, Rogers, Knowles
Some of you may be
familiar with the work of Carl Rogers in the context of psych-mental
health. While much of his work dealt with person-centered therapy, he
wrote a very interesting book Freedom to Learn, in which he applies his
ideas to formal education at levels ranging from elementary school to
college
Teaching "Tools" from humanist
theory
Humanist
theories provide information about learner characteristics ,
facilitative teacher roles, and psychological climate. Examples of
teaching "tools" derived from humanist theory include:
- Principles
of adult learning
- Teaching
strategies focused on learner
self-direction and active
learner participation
- Identification
of a variety of learning
styles
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