Learning Theories for Post Compulsory Education

Abstract

This subject explores the learning theories which underpin teaching and learning within adult and vocational education and training practice. The emphasis is on understanding that learning theories help teachers reflect on their practice and incorporate relevant aspects of the theories into their teaching in order to improve students' learning experiences. Key individual and developmental theories of learning are presented and discussed with regard to how these theories are embedded in our understanding of learning and adult learners in post-compulsory education. Finally, the subject uses different forms of learning as a lens for shaping practice, and how this considers student needs, motivation and learning abilities by tracing these concepts back to different learning theories and educational philosophies of students and teachers.

Syllabus

Module 1: What is Learning?1.1 What is Learning?1.1.1 What is a Theory?1.2 Understanding Learning1.3 MetacognitionModule 2: Major Theories of Learning2.1 Learning Theories2.1.1 How does the study of learning theories help us?2.2 Andragogy and Adult Learners2.2.2 Knowles? Principles of Adult Learning2.3 Major Learning Theories2.3.1 Behaviourism2.3.2 Cognitivism2.3.3 Constructivism2.3.4 Humanism2.4 Further Theories of … For more content click the Read More button below.

Module 1: What is Learning?
1.1 What is Learning?
1.1.1 What is a Theory?
1.2 Understanding Learning
1.3 Metacognition
Module 2: Major Theories of Learning
2.1 Learning Theories
2.1.1 How does the study of learning theories help us?
2.2 Andragogy and Adult Learners
2.2.2 Knowles? Principles of Adult Learning
2.3 Major Learning Theories
2.3.1 Behaviourism
2.3.2 Cognitivism
2.3.3 Constructivism
2.3.4 Humanism
2.4 Further Theories of Learning
2.4.1 Cognitive Constructivism
2.4.2 Social Constructivism
2.4.3 Experiential Learning
2.4.4 Transformative Learning
2.5 Notable Learning Theorists/Theories
Module 3: Theory Informed Teaching
3.1 Performative Learning
3.1.1 Teacher-Centred Models
3.1.2 Learner-Centred Models
3.1.3 Vocational Learning
3.2 Situated Learning
3.3 Problem-Based Learning
3.4 Work-based Learning
3.5 Approaches to Learning and Teaching
3.5.1 Meeting Student Learning Needs
3.5.2 Learning Needs
3.5.3 Motivation
3.5.4 Preferred Learning Styles?
3.5.5 Transfer of Learning

Assessment items

1. Applying adult learning principles to AVET

2. Theory informed teaching and learning approaches

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to discuss key learning theories of adult and vocational education;

be able to explain the differences between a range of approaches to learning and workplace practice;

be able to understand the importance of context in shaping our learning;

be able to discuss the situated and social nature of learning and identify the conditions which maximise or impede learning;

be able to discuss theoretical concepts of learning in the light of their own educational practice; and

be able to discuss strategies to adapt and apply theoretical processes to their own educational practice.

Enrolment restrictions

Not available to students who have completed EEL418 or EEL518.