Learning Theories

Learning objectives O To recap on theories of learning covered thus far O To contextualise learning theories in view of DFA7130 Assignment 2 O To 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 issues O 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 2 Submission dates: FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT for Sections 1 & 2 Easter SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT for all sections 21 st May

Recap O sm.html sm.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 praise O Test results / marks O Curiosity O Unexpected O Use of material familiar to learners O Unusual contexts O 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 progress O Too fast / slow paced O Sitting for too long O Poor lighting / heating / acoustics O Being told that they’re unlikely to understand something O Waiting for help from the teacher

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 Theory O 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? VwQ

Introduction to humanism O A recent area of research O Differs from other – relates most closely to varied behaviours of human learning O Least scientific theory – recognises complexity and stability in life O 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 ( ) – 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

Activity Discuss 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 …