Learning Theories

Introduction

What are the different learning theories?

When new teachers come into their classrooms, it is their job to create a space for students to thrive. For each student to learn, there should be adequate resources for each student. Some students need rewards and consequences, others need hands-on learning and some need to simply observe.

How are you supposed to know which students need what?

You will become an expert on learning theories! There are three major types to look at: Social Cognitive, Cognitive Psychology, and Behaviorism. Once you learn about these theories, you will be able to identify which students needs what and how to use them.

Task

The Project

Get in a group of three. Each person will work on Canva slides for each theory: Social Cognitive, Cognitive Psychology and Behaviorism. You may use as many or as little slides as you need, but all the required information must be present to receive full credit. Make sure your slides are organized, complete, not too wordy and visually pleasing.

Your slide should include:

- Name of two theorists

- What the theory is

- How to use the theory in your class

- Visual examples and graphics on each slide

- 3 sources per theory

- Links to the websites you found your information on

Process

How to properly complete your group project

1. Allow each person to choose their theory

2. Discuss a common theme for your slides (i.e. pastels, ocean, neon, summertime, ect.)

3. Work together to find sources for each theory

4. Create slides for each theory following the criteria given

5. Create classroom examples together for each theory

6. Compare and contrast each theory on a slide

Evaluation

Rubric	Exceeds Expectations (20)	Meets Expectations (15)	Does Not Meet Expectations(10)
Descriptions	Each theory was clearly and thoughtfully explained	Each theory was explained but missed some important details	Theories were not well explained
Comparison of Each Theory	The theories were compared in ways that were educated and easily understood.	The theories were compared in ways that were not easily understood.	The theories were not compared or comparisons did not make sense
Classroom Examples	Each theory had a real world example that was easily useable and accurate.	Each theory had a real world example but was not easily useable or partially accurate.	Each theory did not have a real world example, was not useable or was not accurate.
Graphics & Design	Organized, not too wordy, had engaging graphics on each slide	Partially organized, a little wordy, did not have engaging graphics on each slide	Unorganized, wordy, no graphics
Participation	Each group member participated	Most group members participated	Only one group member participated

Conclusion

Do you feel like an expert?

Yay! You’re done! Now you know each learning theory and different ways to use them in the classroom.