1. LEARNING AND STUDENTS
– Chapter 2 –

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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