1. Theories of Learning EDU 224 | Newberry College
Graphic retrieved on 10/5/2010 from

2. Theories of Learning What is learning?
What are the three definitions of learning?
What teaching practices does each definition support?

3. What do you think of when you hear the word tower?
Starter
What do you think of when you hear the word tower?
Your job will be to plan, and then work together – silently – with your group materials to build the tallest, most stable, and strongest tower possible.
Put students in groups and give them their materials: gumdrops and spaghetti.
Allow students to plan aloud for 1 minute, then have them work silently for 8 minutes.
Discuss the resulting towers. What did they learn? How did they learn it?
Tell students the idea of students constructing their own knowledge through work is constructivist. We will discuss constructivism during today’s class.

4. We’ve explored five philosophies of education
Philosophy = belief system
Today, we’re going to look at three theories of learning.
Throughout, think about what makes sense to you and how it might play out in your classroom.
Review the philosophies and their definitions.

5. What is learning?
Learning happens when experience produces a stable change in someone’s knowledge or behavior. - Hoy and Miskel, 2008
Have students underline what they think is the most important word. Discuss.

6. Constructivism Learning is determined by the learner.
People construct their own learning (or reconstruct outside reality) as they interpret their experiences in particular situations. People are constantly trying to make sense of and bring order to the world.
Scaffolding, collaboration
Theorists = Piaget, Vgotsky
What are the classroom practices of a teacher with a constructivist approach?
Authentic tasks, inquiry and problem-based learning, cooperative learning strategies,

7. Cognition/Brain Research
Learning is an active mental process determined by the brain.
The brain processes information through the sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory. Prior knowledge and metacognition affect learning.
What are the classroom practices of a teacher who uses a cognitive approach?
Thinking guides and graphic organizers, presentation in an organized fashion, teaching students how to learn (underlinig and highlighting, mnemonic strategies)

8. Behavioralism
Learning = change in behavior and humans are shaped entirely by reinforcement and/or punishment.
Theorist = B.F. Skinner
What are the classroom practices of a teacher with a behavioralist approach?
Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), instructional objectives, the 8-step lesson plan, direct instruction

9. Reinforcement/Punishment
Reinforcement Increase the behavior.
Punishment Decrease the behavior.
Stimulus Present
Positive Reinforcement
Direct Punishment
Stimulus Removed
Negative Reinforcement
Removal Punishment
Reinforcement (goal is to increase the behavior)
Positive reinforcement – high grades, honor role, sport letter
Negative reinforcement – test exemption, excused from class, excused from chores
Punishment (goal is to decrease the behavior)
Direct Punishment– detention, lower grade, extra homework
Removal punishment – removal or privileges and/or rewards

10. What else affects how you will teach?
Have students brainstorm, then discuss the other things that will affects how they teach. Examples: faith, interests, experiences, etc.
Make the point that the students they teach, the context in which they teach, and technology at the time they teach will also make a difference.
Remind students that being aware of the things that affect their decisions and beliefs is part of being culturally competent.

11. Class Wiki http://edu224fall2010.pbworks.com
Assign/discuss homework. Discuss next steps.