Learning Theories, Motivation and Technology Course Information
EDUB 528 Learning Theories, Motivation and Technology
Course Description
In this course, candidates will investigate current philosophies and practices in literacy instruction. Developmental and remedial materials, including basal programs, leveling systems, scope and sequence, and supplementary sources and materials, will be examined. Candidates will develop guidelines for evaluating and selecting materials for classroom and small group use. They will identify the characteristics of successful reading professionals and the resources they use: professional journals, national and state standards, professional organizations, and online resources. Attendance at a professional reading conference is a field experience requirement.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
- Examine important features of the learning theories: behaviorism, cognitive and social cognitive, and constructivism and their implications for learning and instruction
- Examine theories of motivation and their implications for learning and instruction
- Read, discuss, and reflect on current research regarding the use of technology in teaching and learning
- Develop effective lesson plans that integrate student and teacher use of technology
Week 1
Lecture: Learning and the Behavioral View
Outcomes
- The definition of learning
- Classical conditioning and operant conditioning
- Types of consequences and the role each has in changing behavior
- Reinforcement schedules
- Applied behavior analysis and how it can be utilized to encourage or discourage behavior
- Mastery learning and how it can be utilized to enhance learning
Week 2
Lecture: Cognitive View of Learning
Outcomes
- The role of knowledge in learning
- The types of knowledge
- The human information processing model of memory
- Why students forget what they have learned
- Teaching methods that will assist students in retaining what they have learned
Week 3
Lecture: Social Cognitive and Constructivist Views of Learning
Outcomes
- The social cognitive view of learning
- The four elements of observational learning
- How to incorporate observational learning into teaching
- Self-efficacy and its sources
- The constructivist view of learning
Week 4
Lecture: Where is Learning Theory Today?
Outcomes
- How knowledge of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences can enhance student learning
- How knowledge of students’ learning styles can enhance student learning
- How knowledge of the brain and brain dominance can enhance student learning
Week 5
Lecture: Part I: Motivation
Outcomes
- The definition of motivation
- Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
- How locus of causality is applied to motivation
- The behavioral approach to motivation
- The humanistic approach to motivation
- The cognitive approach to motivation
- The socio-cultural approach to motivation
- Maslow’s Theory
- The expectancy x value theory
- How legitimate peripheral participation can enhance student motivation
- The role of self-determination in student motivation
Week 6
Lecture: Part II: Motivation
Outcomes
- The definition of goals
- The types of goals
- How goals affect student learning orientation
- What is involved in effective goal setting in the classroom
- How interests and emotions can affect learning
- The definition of self-efficacy and the role it has in learned helplessness
- Strategies that can encourage student motivation
- Strategies that can discourage student motivation
Week 7
Lecture: Part I: Technology as a Learning Tool
Outcomes
- Cultural tools and their role in enhancing learning
- Technology as a cultural tool
- ISTE technology as a guide for technology integration in the learning process
- The role technology has in enhancing student motivation
- The role technology has in supporting new instructional approaches
- How technology can facilitate unique instructional capabilities
- How teachers have utilized technology as a learning tool
- How learning problems have been solved using technology and the advantages of these choices
Week 8
Lecture: Part II: Technology as a Learning Tool
Outcomes
- How the Internet can be utilized to enhance student learning
- How CAI can be utilized to enhance student learning
- How word processing and spreadsheets can be utilized to enhance learning and motivation
- How concept-mapping software can be utilized to enhance student learning and motivation
- How worksheet generators, test generators, and gradebooks can be utilized to enhance learning and motivation
The course description, objectives and learning outcomes are subject to change without notice based on enhancements made to the course. October 2011
