Group items tagged

An explanation of the "constructionist" pedagogical theory, in the growing context of the "Maker" movement. I have tended to consider the Makers as people concerned with physical objects, from 3D printing to knitting; this article makes explicit that writing (in any media) is also "Making."

This article includes an interesting discussion guide which can help faculty members articulate their philosophies of teaching and consider the impact of philosophy on practice.

A brief discussion of the "double-loop" theory of learning, with references and the suggestion that this theory addresses cultural change as much as individualized learning.

A description of the ACT-R model of memory, with references and a brief discussion of possible applications of the model for teaching.

This is an amusing visualization of the connection between Bloom's taxonomy and cognitive and classroom activities. I like the way it addresses complexity without the strict hierarchy of the more common pyramid visualization.

An interesting concept map of different theories of how we learn (or learn best), and how they relate. It's admittedly oversimplified, but an interesting start. (Also an example of what you can make with mind-mapping software.)

Terrific example of how research-based teaching practices can be given useful context with a theory of learning.

I'm not entirely sure that a single grand unified theory of learning will be as useful as the author thinks it is, but certainly more familiarity with existing theories of learning and the connections between them can be a powerful tool as we refine courses and curriculum.

Useful framework for identifying "empirical generalizations", "theoretical statements", and "epistemic assumptions" when we look at the literature on learning, and thinking about how they might be more or less applicable to our work.