learning theories. learning objectives o to recap on theories of learning covered thus far o to...

Learning Theories

Learning objectivesOTo recap on theories of learning covered thus farOTo contextualise learning theories in view of DFA7130 Assignment 2 OTo consider motivation and humanist theories of learning and their impact on own practice

Recap

…positive reinforcement

Could you adopt this approach?

DFA7130 Assignment Two: Enabling and Assessing Learning

What you need to do for Assignment Two

O This assignment asks you to apply theories and principles of learning and assessment to improve your understanding of learner needs and plan effectively to meet these needs. Various theories of how people learn are relevant to lifelong learning, including behaviourist, cognitivist, humanist, social learning, adult learning (andragogy) and motivation theories. Similarly, key ideas within assessment can help you understand how to track and promote learner progress. These include broad notions such as ‘assessment for learning’, and technical concepts such as formative and summative assessment, norm- and criterion-referencing, and validity and reliability. In the assignment, you will discuss two learners and show that you can meet their individual learning needs using your understanding of appropriate theories.

SECTION 1 (Understanding Learning & Assessment)

SECTION 1 (Understanding Learning and Assessment)

Produce learner profiles for TWO different learners in a group you teach. The profiles should include:

O A brief description of the background of the two learners. O A discussion of their motivations and aspirations and how

these relate to the course they are taking.O A discussion of any relevant social or cultural issuesO An analysis of each individual’s preferred way of learning; their

levels of subject specialist knowledge; their levels of language, literacy, numeracy and ICT; and any special learning needs.

Give an overview of some key theories and concepts of learning and assessment which, in your view, help you to understand and respond to the learning needs of these two learners. Include discussion of:

O What the learning theories tell you about different ways to help learners learn most effectively

O How different types of assessment help in supporting and monitoring learning and helping learners to make progress

O How applying learning and assessment theories might help you to develop and extend your current approaches to enabling and assessing learning

(Section 1 should be approximately 1500 words)

DFA7130 Assignment 2Submission dates:

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT for Sections 1 & 2Easter

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT for all sections21st May

RecapO http://

teacherstoolbox.co.uk/C_Constructivism.html

Motivation theory

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?What is your motivation for doing this course?What is the motivator for your learners?Can you identify practical ways of motivating learners?

Motivation theory

How do the following techniques motivate learners?O Verbal praiseO Test results / marksO CuriosityO UnexpectedO Use of material familiar to learnersO Unusual contextsO Games and simulations

Can you think of factors which might reduce motivation?

Post-its here please!

Motivation reducing factors:O Listening to a dull / boring /

disinteresting / disinterested teacher

O Learning which is too easy / challenging

O No feedback on progressO Too fast / slow pacedO Sitting for too longO Poor lighting / heating /

acousticsO Being told that they’re

unlikely to understand something

O Waiting for help from the teacher

SELF-ACTUALISATION:Be enthusiastic and supportive. Encourage projects & plans. Be positive about the future. Promote optimism

SELF-ESTEEM (PRIDE):Encourage independence. Praise when appropriate.

Welcome ideas. Treat students with dignity.

LOVE & BELONGING (FEELING ACCEPTED):Show that you care. Promote interaction between

students. Promote a cohesive class climate.

SAFETY & SHELTER (SAFE FROM HARM)Maintain confidentiality / privacy as necessary. Treat

students fairly. Observe and chart accurate information. Follow safety rules when necessary.

PHYSICAL (COMFORT REQUIREMENTS)Provide adequate breaks. Ensure comfort. Arrange seats according to needs. Be alert to heating and

ventilation requirements.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Basic Needs

Maslow & motivation … O Maslow’s theory: foundational needs

such as shelter, safety etc to be met before learners can be creative, self-automated, optimistic …

O What are your thoughts? Does your experience / setting endorse or contradict this perspective?

Humanist TheoryO Part of a movement that was also

known as ‘open schooling’ and ‘alternative education’

O What are your initial thoughts about what this theory might entail?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPRHLZTVVwQ

Introduction to humanism

O A recent area of researchO Differs from other – relates most closely to

varied behaviours of human learningO Least scientific theory – recognises

complexity and stability in lifeO Humanism argues that people need to

search for meanings and need personal goals in order to develop autonomy – puts learner at the centre of learning

O Humanists believe in teaching that is active and participative

Main exponents

O Rogers (1902-1987) – founder. O We grow and become independent; like to be

accepted for who we are and feel valued as people.

O Contributed to work on experiential learning and considers the teacher as facilitator. Advocates a learner-centred approach that is ‘autonomous’ i.e. empowering.

O Maslow (1908 – 1970): once basic needs met, people will reach their full potential – see hierarchy of needs

O Goleman (1995): emotional intelligence

ActivityDiscuss in pairs:

O Where / when this would work

O Whether it would work in your practice – why? Why not?

O Advantages

O Disadvantages

What have you learnt today?

O What has interested you today?

O Any approach / theory / discussion that might influence what you do in your practice?

O What needs further research?

Looking ahead

Read the ‘Reflection’ slides; please feel free to make notes on these – I am interested in your thoughts: what do you identify with? Agree with? Disagree with?

Next session: Reflective Journals …