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In order to be a successful teacher you will need a clear understanding of the different ways in which children learn. Closely examining the learning process, and demonstrating how different theories support different teaching approaches, this book explores major theories of learning, recent research on the nature of the brain, and how they can be applied in the classroom.
Seamlessly balancing theory with the practical implications of different schools of thought, the authors accessibly present challenging ideas including:
" how you can influence learning and the development of understanding through your teaching;
" how different perspectives contribute to how we understand learning and the challenges raised by new ideas;
" applying learning theory to assessment in order to evaluate current practices;
" rich descriptions of learning in a range of contexts across age ranges using case studies, tasks, reflective questions and commentaries.
This is essential reading for students on primary and secondary initial teacher education courses, students on undergraduate Education Studies degrees and for teachers wanting to update their understanding.
Debra McGregor is Professor in Education at Oxford Brookes University.
Patricia Murphy is Professor of Education at The Open University.
List of contents
Ch1: Introducing how learning is talked about
Part 1: Introducing theories of learning
Ch2: Introducing behavourism and information-processing theories
Ch3: Introducing constructivism and the agentive mind
Ch4: Language and meaning making
Ch5: Introducing social constructivism and socioculturalism
Ch6: Thinking further about the social and cultural aspects of learning
Part 2: Applying theory to make sense of practice
Ch7: Classroom cases featuring aspects of behaviourism and information processing
Ch8: Classroom cases featuring aspects of constructivism
Ch9: Classroom cases featuring aspects of social constructivism
Ch10: Classroom cases featuring aspects of socioculturalism
About the author
Professor Debra McGregor currently works at Oxford Brookes University. She has worked in education for nearly 40 years. She has taught in primary and secondary schools and various university settings in the UK, Europe and USA. She has led various research projects across many contexts up and down the country and within Europe. She has published many papers and books concerned with teaching and learning, the performing arts, cognitive development, the nature of creativity and close to practice research. She remains passionate about supporting education to provide the best that is possible for teachers and their students.
Summary
Explores major theories of learning, from behaviourism to constructivism to cognitivism, and how they can be used as tools to improve teaching.
