Educational Psychology

The philosopher William James said that a knowledge of ed psych is important for three reasons: “first, to provide the underpinnings for beliefs about instruction; second, to prohibit teachers from making certain egregious errors; and third, to provide intellectual support to teachers for some of their pedagogical decisions”. The study of educational psychology gives us a foundation to help make better decisions about how we teach.

Take the ed psych

Learning Theories

Learning theories are an attempt to describe how people learn. With a learning theory as a foundation, instruction can be structured around making learning most effective. There are several commonly excepted categories of learning theories:

Behaviorist Theories - are not concerned with the cognitive process but instead with observable changes in behavior. Learn more about Behaviorism

Cognivist Theories - attempt to make it easier for learning to take place based on what we know about how a learner to process information. Learn more about Cognitivism.

Constructivist Models - attempt to describe how learners learn and thereby how to create effective instruction. Learn more about constructivism.

• Action Research (Participatory Design Models)
• Cognitive Apprenticeship (Collins, Brown and Newman)
• Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)
• Discovery Learning (Jerome Bruner)
• Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura) also see Social Cognitivism

Theories of Development - are focused on how children change and develop their ability to learn and understand. Learn more about Theories of Development

• Learning Styles
• Multiple Intelligences
• Theories of Motivation (Maslow)
• Agent Psychology

 

Related Topics

• Classroom Management
• Communities of Practice
• Types of Educational Research
• Activities & Materials for Teachers
• Testing and Assessment

The materials on this site will help you with the following:

1. Apply learning theories to the resolution of teaching and learning problems.
2. Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of learning theories, and how these strengths and weaknesses influence the applicability of the theory to a given circumstance.
3. Critically examine personal theories and beliefs about teaching and learning.
4. Collaborate with others to discuss issues and solve instructional problems.
5. Recognize and create assessment instruments that are valid measures of learning.
6. Apply principles of motivation to improve teaching and learning.

Materials in this section of the site were created by Suzy Cozy, Becky Rocque, Richard Culatta, and Trav Johnson

Instructional Technology

Mobile Learning