Theories of Learning EDU 224 Newberry College Theories

Theories of Learning EDU 224 | Newberry College

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

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.

• 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.

What is learning? Learning happens when experience produces a stable change in someone’s knowledge or behavior. - Hoy and Miskel, 2008

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

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.

Behavioralism • Learning = change in behavior and humans are shaped entirely by reinforcement and/or punishment. • Theorist = B. F. Skinner

Reinforcement/Punishment Reinforcement Punishment Increase the behavior. Decrease the behavior. Stimulus Present Positive Reinforcement Direct Punishment Stimulus Removed Negative Reinforcement Removal Punishment

What else affects how you will teach?

Class Wiki http: //edu 224 fall 2010. pbworks. com