Applying Learning Theories in Your Teaching

1
Applying Learning Theoriesin Your Teaching

• Presented by
• Susan M. Zvacek, Ph.D.
• Fulbright Scholar
• University of Kansas

2
Historical Perspective

• Behaviorism
• Cognitive Processing
• Constructivism

3
What is Behaviorism?

• Focus on behavior
• Stimulus-Response and Behavior Modification
  orientation
• We ignore what we cant know (internal
  processes)
• No longer popular as a learning theory base

4
Behaviorist Theories

• Conditioning/Shaping
• Connectionism

5
Practical Applications of Behaviorism

• Identifying observable (action-oriented)
  outcomes
• Providing feedback to students
• Considering transfer of skills to new
  environments

6
What is Cognitive Processing?

• Focus on how the brain works
• Includes memory, thinking, perceiving, etc.
• Two areas of emphasis
• Memory processes
• Individual differences

7
Cognitive Processing Theories

• Cognitive Load
• Schema Theory
• Visual Literacy
• Elaboration Theory

8
Practical Applications of Cognitive Processing
Theory

• Presenting content in manageable amounts
  (chunks)
• Providing Advance Organizers and promoting
  recall of prior knowledge
• Designing visuals from simple to complex
• Presenting information that may cause cognitive
  dissonance

9
What is Constructivism?

• Focus on learners active role in his/her own
  learning
• Meaning is constructed in the individual (not
  transmitted from outside)
• Learner reflection on/organization of content
• Emphasis on personal relevance to learner

10
Constructivist Theories

• Attribution/Motivation
• Active learning
• Metacognition

11
Practical Applications of Constructivism

• Designing activities to promote engagement
• Attributing progress to internal factors
• Using concept maps
• Offering students choice in assessment methods

12
Summary

• What theories might you apply in your teaching?
• Are some more appropriate for your content, your
  students, your goals than others?