Course wrap-up

Readings
Instructor notes
Learning activities

One of the most important goals of this course is for you to come away with a personal sense of how these learning and instructional theories can be of use to you in your future "educational" practice, however broadly that may be defined. I would suggest that, at some point, you ask yourself a series of questions about each of the theories. Since the goal is to construct your own unique understanding of the theories, I can't tell you what those questions would be. I can suggest some possibilities, though, such as

What aspects of learning are addressed by this theory?
What are the main processes or mechanisms that are proposed to account for learning according to this theory?
What, to you, is the single most important "big idea" from this theory?
With what other theories is this theory most compatible?
Does this theory resonate with your own experiences and beliefs?
Does this theory seem to be a good match for the kinds of learners you're interested in?
... for the kinds of learning tasks you're interested in?
... for the kinds of educational settings you're interested in?

Well, you get the idea.

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Learning activities

To be completed by the end of this unit:

Wrap-up: Personal theory revisited (individual activity)

At the beginning of the semester you each described your personal theory of learning, your own ideas about the factors that contributed to successful individual learning. Your task in this activity is to look back at the statement you made at the beginning of the course and examine how your personal theory has evolved. Post an individual statement on the P540 whole-class forum describing in what ways, if any, your personal theory has changed, then comment on other team members' posts.

Note: Your final examination is due during this week.

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Last Updated: January 14, 2002