EDT 605 Learning Theory and Model Assignment

Amanda Domingues

December 3, 2016

EDT 605

Week 2 Assignment

Instructional Model

National University

Professor Zone

Constructivism Learning Theory

Social-Cultural Theory and Discovery Learning Model

Learning Theory Family Tree

The constructivist learning theory is defined as the learner is actively involved in constructing knowledge (Harasim, 2012).  While Piaget focused on how learning and knowledge was related to stages of growth, Vygotsky focused on how social encounters influenced learning and obtaining knowledge (Harasim, 2012).  Seymour Papert claims that students benefit from constructing knowledge themselves and teachers are knowledge facilitators (Harasim, 2012).  Papert theory involving constructivism examines how teaching children to interact and become involved with their learning motivates the students.  Constructivist theorize that people build understanding and knowledge through experience (Harasim, 2012).  Piaget theorized four stages of development from birth through adulthood.  Knowledge was achieved through experience and activity according to one’s age and stage of development (Harasim, 2012).  Piaget argued that knowledge is built from three concepts: physical knowledge involving a child’s senses, logico-mathematical knowledge focusing on numbers and objects, and social knowledge related to interactions with people (Harasim, 2012).  Vygotsky’s theory focused more on how culture and social interaction influenced learning and development.  There are four key principles with constructivism stemming from Vygotsky’s theory: active learning, learning-by-doing, scaffolded learning, and collaborative learning (Harasim, 2012).  Vygotsky established the idea of zone of proximal development which involves a student and knowledgeable adult or peer assisting the student until the student can complete the task and problem solve individually.  More information regarding Vygotsky can be viewed at http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html.  Technology that is integrated with this learning theory becomes computer-based learning environments focusing on microworlds, scaffolding learning environments, learning networks, and computer-based collaborative learning environments (Harasim, 2012).  For quick reference overview of Piaget and Vygotsky, view this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY-SXM8f0gU&feature=youtu.be

Social cultural learning is stemmed from Vygotsky’s learning theory.  He emphasized that learning happened through the influence and interaction of adults and more knowledgeable peers (Slavin, 2015).  Cooperative learning and collaboration give students a chance to problem solve together, socially.  Activities that engage children to learn through socialization with peers help children experience learning and helps support and create knowledge (Scott, 2013).  Sociocultural theory takes in account a student’s cultural and social background and how it influences the development of the learner.   When this theory is applied in the classroom, it implies that the abilities of the students should be identified and in the process of developing, and how well the student will work independently (Scott, 2013).  The use of cooperative learning supports this theory in the classroom.  It engages the students to communicate, problem solve, and critically think with peers.  This theory is especially useful with science and math lessons.  It encourages students to experiment and explore; building self-regulated learning.  In connection to online learning, this theory can be applied to incorporate communication within the virtual classroom.  Instructors and students can interact asynchronously through email, blogs, and threaded discussion.  Communication in chat room, webinars, virtual classrooms, tele-conferencing provides synchronous interaction between students and the instructor (Freeman, 2010).  Check out more on Vygotsky’s theory and social cultural learning theory from this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9CnZoFUlT0.  This website offers great information and how this theory is applied in the classroom: https://classroom-assessment-theory-into-practice.wikispaces.com/Interpersonal+-+Social+Learning. 

Discovery learning model was created by psychologist Jerome Bruner.  This learning model builds on the experiences and knowledge student have and encourages them to create new information actively (eLearning Industry, 2016).  Discovery learning is based on five principles: problem solving, learner management, integrating and connecting, information analysis and interpretation, failure and feedback.  Problem solving implies that students seek solutions and acquire new information and knowledge through activities.  Learner management allows students to work individually or with peers and learn at their own pace.  Integrating and connecting focuses on how the student combines previous knowledge with new and connects the information to real world experience.  Information analysis and interpretation encourage students to analyze newly acquired information and knowledge rather than memorize facts.  Failure and feedback focuses on not finding the right results, instead it focuses on discovery and the learning process.  The instructor provides feedback to solidify the lesson.  (eLearning Industry, 2016).  In the classroom, discovery learning can take place with science experiments in laboratories, simulations, case studies, coaching, problem-based learning, inquiry based learning, scavenger hunts, and webquests.  Here’s a helpful video about discovery learning model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyc3t6NstK4.  This a slideshow image montage of various examples of constructivism in the classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWKyGa5emwQ.  This video interviews teachers who use discovery learning in their classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snvxRBvlxPw. 

As an inspiring art instructor, I would incorporate the social cultural learning theory and the discovery learning model in my art class.  I could use these methods to have the students complete a collaborative project focusing on an artist and a project focusing on an art movement.   The students would be able to choose from a variety of options of artists and art movements.  They would be responsible to creating a PowerPoint presentation or a Key Note presentation as a group.  Information about the artist and works of art would need be in the presentation.  Information about an art movement, the historical importance of the movement, influences, artists, and artwork would need to be researched.  The groups would then need to share their presentations to the class.  Another engaging assignment that integrates these theories and learning model would be to create a photographic essay about student life.  Students would be required to document student interests of their peers and present the images in a 5-10 photographic essay.  One last example would be to have the students collaborate to create an original product.  They would be responsible for exploring, communicating, problem solving, critically thinking, sharing ideas of some sort of product.  The students would need to create the packaging and present the product and packaging concepts to the class. 

References:

Burrus, J. Piaget and Vygotsky in 90 seconds. (2009). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY-SXM8f0gU&feature=youtu.be (12/2/16). 

Instruction design model and theories: the discovery learning model. eLearning Industry (2011-2016).  Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/discovery-learning-model (12/2/16). 

Ferguson, B.T. (2014) SPD 604 Psychology Foundations of Education Class Packet. National University. Retrieved from https://nu.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_36387_1&content_id=_2471679_1&mode=reset

Freeman, M. (2010).  Vygotsky and the virtual classroom: sociocultural theory comes to the communications classroom. Christian Perspectives in Education.  (Vol. 4, Issue 1.)  Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1067&context=cpe (12/2/16).  

Harasim, L. (2012). Learning theory and online technologies. New York, NY: Routledge. 

Scott, S. (2013).  Sociocultural Theory. Education.com, Inc.  Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/sociocultural-theory/ (12/2/16). 

Slavin, R. (2015, 11th Ed.). Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.