Learning theories to check out for assignment explanations

Referring to learning theories in your unit plan rationale for learning sequence and summative assignments.

To check out about learing theories go to http://www.learning-theories.com

In the Australian Curriculum you will see many learning theories in action via the inquiry model used in HaSS

Can you see any of these learning theories (or others) in action in your unit plan?

Constructivism

The philosophy about learning, that proposes learners need to build their own understanding of new ideas, has been labelled constructivism.

Various educationalist have developed an instructional model for constructivism, called the "Five E’s"

Explore

Students carry out an activity/discussion in which they can explore the knowledge/concept/skill. This phase allows students to acquire a common set of experiences that they can use to help each other make sense of the new concept or skill.

Explain

Only after students have explored aspects of the knowledge/concept/skill does the teacher provide the explanations/learning stories to develop student understanding. The significant aspect of this phase is that explanation follows experience.

Elaborate

This phase provides opportunities for students to apply what they have learned to new situations and so develop a deeper understanding of the concept/understanding. It is important for students to discuss and compare their ideas with each other during this phase.

Evaluate

The final phase provides an opportunity for students to review and reflect on their own learning and new understandings. It is also when students provide evidence for changes to their understanding, beliefs and skills. 

 Blooms taxonomy

Some other learning theories to refer to in HaSS:

·        Multiple Intelligences

·        Systems thinking

·        Experiential learning