LEARNING AND STUDENTS – Chapter 2 –

What is Learning? Learning is an enduring change in behavior or capacity to behave in a given fashion Results from practice or other forms of experience Models of teaching and learning need to include Teacher, student, and personal attributes of each Learning environment Learning content Teaching strategies

Major Theories of Learning Behaviorism Define learning as the change in method or frequency of a behavior due to some interaction in the outer environment Three well-known scientists are Pavlov, Skinner, and Thorndike Concepts of positive and negative reinforcement retain usefulness today

Major Theories of Learning (cont) Cognitivism Defines learning as a semi-permanent change in mental processes or association Considers learning as mental structures that provide a base for organizing and building knowledge Learning is not a change in behavior but a change in mental structures Includes the work of Brunner, Gagne, and others

Major Theories of Learning (cont) Social Cognitivism Much of human learning occurs in the environment Social Learning Theory is built on the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling Includes the work of Vygotsky and Bandura Humanism Emphasizes both cognitive and affective learning Views learning as a personal act to fulfill one’s potential Includes Maslow and Carl Rogers

Major Theories of Learning (cont) Constructivism Defines learning as an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge through experiencing and reflecting on the experience rather than acquiring it Includes Dewey, Piaget, and Kolb and Fry Brain-Based Learning Active engagement of purposeful strategies based on principles derived from an understanding of the brain According to cognitive neuroscientists, learning literally changes the brain

Diverse Learning Needs of Students Each student is different Students may range in culture, ethnicity, learning style, age, gender, motivation, economic background, previous life experiences, and many other independent factors These can have an influence on learning

Diverse Learning Needs of Students (cont) Culture and ethnicity Teachers should have a general understanding of how cultures view learning Learning styles The manner in which an individual approaches a learning situation Learning styles were developed to guide students' understanding of how they learn best There are many models of learning styles VARK learning preference model

Diverse Learning Needs of Students (cont) Age Adult learners today are comprised of Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, GenX, and Millennials, based on birth date Gender Nationally, 6.6% of the RN workforce is male About 15% of all students in basic nursing programs are male Only 5% of full-time faculty teaching in baccalaureate and higher degree programs are men

Motivation and Self-Regulation Strategic learners are active learners and are persistent in reaching learning goals Know when they do not understand content and seek out resources to help them understand it Motivation is a key dimension of self-regulated learning and a prerequisite for meaningful learning Self-regulation is employed as students recognize that there might be improved ways to accomplish a goal and change their learning strategies

Teacher-Student Relationships Student engagement is a strong predictor of student success in higher education Student contact with faculty is associated with development of key relationships and better outcomes One of the major hallmarks of a supportive learning environment is student-faculty interaction

Teacher-Student Relationships (cont) Interaction includes Discussing ideas from class, clinical practice, and other environments of learning with students Giving prompt feedback on student work Talking about career plans with students Working with students on activities other than coursework Engaging students in their own research projects outside of course requirements