Theories of Teaching and Learning

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There are many theories that are relevant to classroom teaching today. Marsh (2008, p. 17) states that “each theory is nothing more than a set of reasonable suggestions”. A teacher should look at the information available to them and take what is necessary to achieve a positive learning environment in their classroom. This may mean taking a little part of one theory and combining in with another part of a different theory, there is no singular theory or theorist that encompasses everything that is required in a modern classroom. Some of the most important theories of learning are motivation, constructivism and behaviourism. Teachers choose their teaching style and strategy to complement their students, to arrive at their own personal version of the most effective teacher they can be. Eggen & Kauchak (2010, p. 390) state, a teacher “maximises student learning” and this is what all teachers should strive to achieve. In looking at some of these theories, it can be shown how their ideas can transfer from paper into the busy, challenging classroom of today.

Constructivism

Constructivism is a theory of at the root of which is that “learners construct, rather than record knowledge” (Eggen & Kauchak, 2011, p. 226). There are two main branches of constructivism; cognitive constructivism and social constructivism. Cognitive constructivism is based on the work of Piaget; it states that a person constructs knowledge by internal dialogue and interaction with their environment. Social constructivism is influenced by Vygotsky’s work, he and others believe that knowledge is constructed by social interaction and then modified by the individual.

Social constructivism has become influential in the workings of the modern classroom; one of t...

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...n teaching and learning.

References

Eggen, P. & Kauchak, D. (2010). Educational Psychology: Windows on Classrooms. New Jersey: Pearson Education.

Gray, A. (1997). Constructivist Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from http://saskschoolboards.ca/research/instruction/97-07.htm#Table of Contents

Kamii, C. & Lewis, B. A. (1990). Constructivism and first-grade arithmetic. The Arithmetic Teacher, 38, 36-37.

Marsh, C. (2008). Becoming a teacher: Knowledge, skills and issues. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia

Maslow, A. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396. Retrieved from http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow/motivation.htm

Shah, S. (2008). Behaviourism and it’s applications in the classroom. International Research Journal of Arts and Humanities, 35, 13-36. Retrieved from

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