ETEC 512 - Applications of Learning Theories to Instruction
Learning Theory Foundation:
Similar to the constant occurrence of wind waves, ETEC 512 provided me with a lot of practical knowledge that I can directly apply to my classroom on a daily basis. ETEC 512 was an excellent introduction to the various types of learning theories that exist. This course made me reflect on how students learn in a classroom setting, and how there is not one learning theory that fully explains the complexity involved in learning. In this course we explored theories such as behaviourism, information processing, constructivism, and situated cognition learning theories. Through the various thought papers and our final assignment I began to have a clearer understanding of how assignments should be structured to encourage student learning. My particular favourite theory and the one that I often gravitate towards is the idea of constructivism, which is the one theory that I use the most in my classroom. ETEC 512 opened my eyes on how to structure and assess these kinds of assignments in my classroom.
Similar to the constant occurrence of wind waves, ETEC 512 provided me with a lot of practical knowledge that I can directly apply to my classroom on a daily basis. ETEC 512 was an excellent introduction to the various types of learning theories that exist. This course made me reflect on how students learn in a classroom setting, and how there is not one learning theory that fully explains the complexity involved in learning. In this course we explored theories such as behaviourism, information processing, constructivism, and situated cognition learning theories. Through the various thought papers and our final assignment I began to have a clearer understanding of how assignments should be structured to encourage student learning. My particular favourite theory and the one that I often gravitate towards is the idea of constructivism, which is the one theory that I use the most in my classroom. ETEC 512 opened my eyes on how to structure and assess these kinds of assignments in my classroom.
Reflection: Lesson Plan Critique:
This lesson plan critique allowed me to justify how I was teaching material to my students, with this justification being supported by research. This process had me reflecting on whether the same lesson could be taught in a different way that would improve student learning and comprehension. For this assignment I took various business topics that I taught and turned them into a constructivist based project. This project had students create a candy store where they actually sold candy and competed with each other. With this new lesson plan students were now constructing their own knowledge while connecting this with their previous experiences which follows the basic ideas of constructivism.
One of my favourite quotes from this critique is by Lutz and Huitt (2003). It was enlightening for me in the sense that it made me focus on the differing levels of understanding of students as they enter my classroom. I learned it is not only what I teach, but how I teach it and then connect it to the students previous knowledge. If I fail in making these connections for students it can prevent true understanding.
"in order to make new material meaningful, instruction must be presented in such a way that students can easily access and connect previous learning and experiences with the new material” (Lutz & Huitt, 2003, p.10-11)
This next quote was influential as it once again made me rethink my teaching practices. I realized that I need to integrate projects and tasks that allow students to demonstrate and expand upon their learning. This is one reason that I introduced the candy store project as it allowed students to demonstrate higher-level thinking and elaboration on the course material.
"If students are not required to demonstrate the results of elaboration on meaningful tasks such as examinations or projects, they are not likely to adequately develop the skills required for higher-level thinking” (Lutz & Huitt, 2003, p. 15)
After completing this assignment I came to the realization that different theories of learning were preferential given certain circumstances, but for myself as a teacher I really needed to be aware of my students and their needs.
Artefact: Lesson Plan Critique
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