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What are two characteristics of human memory? What is the process of translating information into something that is meaningful? Name a practical device used to make information easier to remember. In this perspective, the role of the instructor is to create and maintain a problem-solving environment. |
Learning can be defined as a change in human performance that results from practice or other experiences and that endures over time. A theory is a set of related principles explaining the cause and effect relationships among events. Therefore, learning theory is, " a set of related principles explaining changes in human performance or performance potential in terms of the causes of those changes."
This week we will be introduced to three theoretical perspectives of learning: behaviorist, information processing and constructivist. We will gain an overview of these theories that will be explored more in depth in the weeks to come.
1. Chapter 1
2. Reader "Theory into Application", Newby, 1996
Compare and contrast the three learning perspectives (behaviorist, information processing, and constructivist) using a matrix. Use table 2.6 on page 36 of the reading to give you an idea of how to get started.
This website provides a good, brief overview of the various learning theories.
http://funderstanding.com/about_learning.cfm
