Topic4

 = Learning Topic 4: Pedagogy Knowledge (PK) =
 * Activities ||  || 4.1 ||   || 4.2 ||   || 4.3 ||   || 4.4 ||

Background/Rationale
How do people learn? What are the processes of learning? What are the best strategies for instruction? These are questions that have been studied for ages by many theorists. There is not just one answer to how people learn but also many theories. You will be studying three of the most common Theories of Learning: Behaviorism, Constructivism, and Cognitivism. You will also be making connections between the Learning Theories and Marzano’s Instructional Strategies. In this topic, the “instruction” part of Instructional Technology will be examined so that instruction can be designed so that students can best learn.

Learning Outcomes/Objectives
At the end of this Learning Topic, you will be able to:
 * Research one learning theory and present his/her findings to the class (learning activity, presentation)
 * Analyze three different learning theories and their application to instructional technology (learning activity)
 * Analyze how Marzano’s Nine Essential Instructional Strategies fits within each learning theory (learning activity, discussion)
 * Reflect on the importance of learning theories and instructional technology (field experience, learning activity, discussion)

Readings and Research
Assigned learning theory research topics: Behaviorism, Cognitivism, or Constructivism

Field Experience (4 hours)
See Activity 4.4.

**4.1: Researching Learning Theories with Annotated Bibliography**
//**Context:** Pedagogy is the practice or method of teaching. To practice teaching effectively, one needs to know how people learn. In this activity you will study three common learning theories and how they apply to instructional methods.//


 * Task Description:**
 * Step 1:** You will be assigned one of three learning theories: Behaviorism, Cognitivism or Constructivism. You will be working in a group for this task.

The following information needs to be included in the annotated bibliography:
 * Step 2:** As a partner/team, research the assigned learning theory with a minimum of 10 sources – both journal articles and websites. Document your research findings in an annotated bibliography using APA style and format.
 * the history of the theory,
 * the theorists involved,
 * keywords or descriptors of the theory,
 * how learning takes place,
 * key principles or elements of the theory,
 * goals of instruction,
 * instructional strategies
 * key resources (links) and
 * other information that your team deems to be important.

Post your partner/team annotated bibliography in the Discussion Topic 4 for this activity. You will be using your information in the next activity.


 * Assessment/Grading Criteria:** The facilitator will check for your team’s submission of APA bibliography in correct format, minimum of 10 sources. Refer to the syllabus for the number of points each team member can earn for this assignment.

**4.2: Learning Theory Web**
//**Context:** In this activity, you and your partner from Activity 1 will be “sharing” your information with other your colleagues. You all will be learning from each other and benefiting from the other team’s research. Your team will present your information to others in a “graphic web” or “visual map” format using a web program called Webspiration. You will be gathering information from the various graphic web/visual maps for the following activity.//


 * Task Description:**
 * Step 1:** You will need to create a free account for Webspiration ([]). Webspriation is an online visual thinking tool. For this activity, it is recommended that your use your RegisNet email account as your login id for easy sharing with your colleagues. For information on how to use Webspriation, see []. You may also want to view the video tutorials available on [|TeacherTube.com.]


 * Step 2:** With the same partner from Activity 1, design a web/map. Within the Webspiration program, you and your partner need to create and develop a “graphic web” or “visual map” of the information gained from your research of your assigned Learning Theory from Activity 1. Include the following categories:


 * < **Brief history** ||< State at least 7 key facts ||
 * < **Full description of the theory so that others can understand the theory.** ||<  ||
 * < **Key principles** ||< Give at least 5 ||
 * < **Theorists** ||< List at least 5 and state their contribution to the theory ||
 * < **Descriptors or keywords to describe the learning process or theory** ||< State a minimum of 5 ||
 * < **Goals for instruction** ||< List between 7 and 10 ||
 * < **How learning takes place** ||< Give at least 7 examples ||
 * < **Instructional strategies** ||< Give a minimum of 10 examples for each strategy ||
 * < **Key Resources (links) for each theory.** ||< Give the 5 most helpful resources ||
 * < **Other information deemed to be important** ||<  ||
 * Step 3:** You will be using the collective information from all of the graphic webs/visual maps created by your colleagues to complete the next activity. Once your team has completed your graphic web/visual map,
 * Your team needs to use the “share function” of Webspiration to email your team’s web to your colleagues.
 * Step 3:** You will be using the collective information from all of the graphic webs/visual maps created by your colleagues to complete the next activity. Once your team has completed your graphic web/visual map,
 * Your team needs to use the “share function” of Webspiration to email your team’s web to your colleagues.


 * Assessment/Grade Criteria:**

**4.3: Theories, Strategies, & Technology…Oh My**
//**Context:** The purpose of this activity is to analyze the concepts of each of the three learning theories (Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism) side by side for easy comparison. You will then expand your analysis to consider how each of Marzano’s nine instructional strategies could be best applied for each of the three learning theories. The premise being, you need to understand both the learning theory and the instructional strategy to able to apply the strategy to the theory effectively. Lastly, you will need to determine how technology can be applied to meet each of the theory criteria, further deepening your understanding of the theories and strategies.//

Step 1: In the Learning Theory Web Discussion Forum for Activity 2, individually (teams no longer needed) review each of the team’s graphic webs/visual maps. You will want to take notes as you review each of the team’s web/map posted. Pay particular attention to the learning theories that your team did not research. In addition, provide feedback/positive comment to the teams regarding their graphic web/visual map presentation of their information.
 * Task Description:**

Step 2: Using the collective information from all of the teams web/maps, individually complete the matrix provided for all of three learning theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. This project will also be used in Learning Topic 7.

In your matrix, fill in the information on the following subtopics: Imbed your matrix in On the Student page of Topic4. Include your name in the title.
 * Brief history (State at least 5 facts for each theory.)
 * Brief description of each theory for easy recall.
 * Key principles (Give at least 5 for each theory.)
 * Theorists (List at least 3 for each and state their contribution to the theory)
 * Goals for instruction (List between 5 and 7 per theory).
 * Descriptors or keywords to describe the learning process or theory (State a minimum of 5 per theory.)
 * How Learning Takes Place (Give at least 5 examples for each theory)
 * Explain how each of Marzano’s 9 Instructional Strategies would best be applied for each theory. (Give at least one example for each theory.)
 * Technology Applications (Give at least 5 examples of how technology could be integrated to meet the principles of the theory.)
 * Key Resources (links) for each theory. (State 3 resources for each theory.)
 * Other information deemed to be important.


 * Assessment/Grade Criteria:**

4.4: Learning Theories and Instructional Technology
//**Context:** Now that you have analyzed the three learning theories it is important that you transfer your knowledge into the instructional technology field by analyzing how these theories can be applied in your classroom and lessons.//

Step 1: Visit the technology teacher in your building and/or at another school. Your visit should be a minimum of two (2) hours. Add an entry to your Field Experience Log and answer the following questions. Be sure to take field notes as they will help you use your observations for the following discussion activity.
 * Task Description**:
 * Learning Theories in Practice - Field Experience (4 hours)**
 * Do you see evidence of the learning theories in practice?
 * How are the theories incorporated into technology instruction?
 * Does the teacher conscientiously reflect on the learning theories when planning lessons?
 * Were there lessons or activities that you saw where the learning theories could easily be incorporated?
 * How was technology used to assist students in learning?

Step 2: Answer the following questions in the Discussion Forum for Topic4. Share your opinions and observations with your colleagues. Respond to at least two of your colleagues postings.
 * Why is it important to know the theories of learning / instructional strategies in the field of instructional technology?
 * How do you think you will apply these theories in the future?
 * When you visited the school, what evidence of the learning theories / instructional strategies did you see in practice?
 * How are the theories / instructional strategies incorporated into technology instruction?
 * Were there lessons or activities that you saw where the learning theories / instructional strategies could easily be incorporated?

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