Learning Theories Concept Map
Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Goal Alignment: Goal 1 - Learning Theories
Course: ETEC 512 - Application of Theories to Instruction
Assignment: Learning Theories Concept Map
Opposing Forces: Theory and Application
GA_Concept Map.mp3Goal Alignment
Since the goal is to gain mastery of prominent learning theories to improve my teaching practice, I felt this artifact, whereby I investigate and map out different learning theories, shows my commitment and ability to gain said mastery. It represents my ability to not only name the learning theories I am aware of, but my ability to break them down to their sub parts and find connections between them. One's ability to explain how learning theories are connected, which helps in the application of a variety of theories (since we often implement multiple strategies in education), demonstrates mastery of the learning theories discussed.
This artifact reflects my experience in looking under the hood, so to speak, in terms of the application of teaching and seeking out the theories behind the various strategies I use in teaching, as well as those used by my peers. It also shows that I am branching out from my own habits in teaching and trying to understand the depth and nuance of learning theory for a variety of contexts.
While this artifact does not demonstrate my mastery of all learning theories, it highlights that I possess the toolkit and framework to gain mastery in those beyond constructivism, cognitive learning theory, and connectivism.
Metaphor / Opposing Forces
This artifact connects to the overall metaphor of opposing forces and balance because it highlights the tension between Theory and Application. There can often be a disconnect between a theory of learning and how it is used (or the impact it has). For example, this mind map shows that through technological advancement, there is an increase in the use of personal devices, but this can lead to something negative, such as cyber bullying. At the same time, it can lead to independent learning opportunities, which is a positive thing.
The result of sorting through these opposing forces for me as I worked through this artifact was the realization that educators (and people in general) need to find the right balance between what seems sound in theory and what actually works in practice. I learned that I need to use technology in teaching when it is grounded in sound theory and not just for the sake of using technology, as well as avoiding negative effects (obviously). As many have pointed out, technology is simply another educational tool, like a blackboard, in which its advantages and disadvanatges must be weighed carefully.
metaphor_concept map.mp3
reflection_concept map.mp3Reflection
Reflection
This was a relatively simple task because we had been studying various learning theories in the course. As such, I already had starting points for constructivist and cognitive theories. From there, I began to think about various learning theories or general ideas I was already familiar with, i.e. experiential learning, and started to place them on the board. Once I had placed as many as I could think of on the board, I began drawing connections between them. Miro is a great tool for this kind of activity because things can be moved around very easily (and I found myself moving items to different places quite frequently). The biggest challenge with this task was to present the information in a way that would be digestible to an outsider. I think the map makes a lot of sense to me but could be cleaned up a little for someone who may be less familiar with the subject matter.
I feel that this artifact aligns very closely with my goal of developing mastery of various learning theories. I believe I have demonstrated my achievement of this goal through this artifact because I have shown that I can discuss various learning theories, draw connections between them, and provide specific examples of them. While this artifact does not present an exhaustive list of all learning theories, it shows that I can seek more learning theories out and theoretically demonstrate mastery in a similar way if needed.
Future Steps
Future Steps
This new knowledge about learning theories will help me in designing learning experiences to meet the needs of more students since I am simply aware of so many more ways of teaching. I will also use my new knowledge to properly label my strategies and ideas, which can aid in discussion about my teaching practice with peers. I will also use this knowledge to explore new strategies, i.e. going beyond constructivism to cognitive constructivism. This will allow for fine tuning of my teaching approach.
future_concept map.mp3Page updated
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