Learning Theory Applied to Teaching Frank T. Stritter The University of North Carolina bat Chapel Hill

Goals for Today Ê State names of the five theories Ë Describe each theory briefly Ì Think about the role of theory

What is learning? Learning is a persisting change in an individual’s understanding, performance or potential brought about by meaningful interaction with the environment.

What is a theory? n Principle that guides n Specifies instructor’s activities which bring about learning

Learning Theories n Behavioral n Cognitive n Constructivist n Humanistic n Developmental

Behavioral n B. F. Skinner n Observable behavior n Objectives written by instructor n Instructor provides stimulus, asks for response and reinforces n Learner in third person

Instructional Strategies n Provide specific objectives n Expect learners to move at own pace n Provide information, ask for response n Present material in small steps n Assess learner frequently n Provide immediate feedback which is both positive and corrective n Revise instruction based on data

Cognitive n Bruner, Ausubel, Gagne n Learning is meaningful connection to and organization of memory n Objectives are general n Instructor arranges conditions and develops structure n Learner in third person

Instructional Strategies n Assess learner’s prerequisite skills n Use advance organizers n Provide structure, examples, images n Connect new concepts to previous n Ask learner to form own questions n Ask “What if..?” questions n Be as concerned with thought process as with the right answer

Constructivist n Albert Bandura n Develop shared meaning by participating in learning community n Objectives developed together n Instructor sets example and reacts n Learner in first person

Instructional Strategies n Base learning on practical experience n Ask learners for their hypotheses n Model performance, problem solving n Help learners generate links n Facilitate discussions n Use cooperation, collaboration n Assess learning in context

Humanistic n Rogers, Knowles n Learning is satisfying own needs n Objectives developed by learner n Instructor reacts to learner’s needs n Learner in first person

Instructional Strategies n Develop learning contract with learner n Help learners make choices n Incorporate learner’s prior experience n Ask learners to present to each other n Guide discussions n Ask learner to evaluate own learning n Serve as consultant

Developmental n Jean Piaget n Learning is maturation n Learning occurs in stages n Objectives based on norms n Diagnose stage and react n Learner changes from third to first

Instructional Strategies n Determine learner’s stage n Keep growth chart n Emphasize discovery of principles n Help learner accept responsibility n Change teaching style n Directing to facilitating to consulting

Points of Agreement n Goals are important n Simple to complex n Learner must be active n Reinforcement n Group support n Attitude toward learning and context

My Advice n Systematic design - B n How learning occurs - Cog n Interactions with others - Con n Adjusting instruction - D n Self-determination - H