Peer Computing Expert Training Lesson 3 Learning Theory Borrowed liberally from the Mount Holyoke MaGE Training Course educational materials https://sites.google.com/a/mtholyoke.edu/mage-training/home

Terms: Self-Efficacy One’s perception of capability, and in particular the capability to navigate through challenging material and persist in spite of difficulty Self-perception is often higher or lower than reality An important predictor of learning and persistence in learning Self-efficacy is shaped by: Prior experience, including successes and failures Observations of peer role models Verbal persuasion, including instructor and peer feedback Physiological responses to learning such as anxiety Mentor’s role: Help students build self-efficacy by letting them feel in control of their learning and offering frequent feedback SPARC PCE Training

Terms: Self-Regulation Self-regulated learning uses a feedback cycle where learners observes their learning try new strategies then judge whether the strategies worked Judging what works takes practice This process is very much like programming and debugging Mentor’s role: Serve as a “mirror” Ask questions to identify gaps and next steps Avoid telling the student what to do (coaching) SPARC PCE Training

A belief that one’s intelligence or ability can change Terms: Growth Mindset A belief that one’s intelligence or ability can change Fixed mindset is common among math & science teachers “Comfort feedback” can demotivate students Implies that ability is fixed Many teachers always succeeded in their field and seldom struggled, making it hard to help relate Mentor’s role: Share ways the mentor struggled—and improved Avoid comfort feedback—sympathize and coach instead Explain what a growth mindset is directly SPARC PCE Training

Learning & Motivation Video created by Alyx Burns, student at Mount Holyoke College https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B04zzh3CFnhYZGI0MzI3cnpOeGs/preview SPARC PCE Training

Small Group Discussion What is self-efficacy? How does it differ from self-esteem? How does it differ from ability? Do you have high self-efficacy in computing? In programming? Researchers have found that women and certain minority groups are more likely to have self-efficacy lower than their actual ability Why do you think this is? How can that knowledge inform your job as a peer mentor? What is your goal orientation as a student? Do you have a growth mindset? SPARC PCE Training