Learning theories
explain the learning styles of various learners and guide us to design a course.
These are applicable to teaching and learning but the extent of application of
different theories varies according to context, content, nature of learners and
age of learners. The teachers unknowingly apply these learning theories while
teaching.
I would take the
example of the school of carpentry at OP. The certificate level 4 course
consist of six modules which are further divided into forty four units. The program
includes theory and practical work. The emphasize is on practical work. The
question is how are the learning theories applied in the course?
It consists of unit
called health and safety in which the theory and practical are required. After
explaining the theory the teacher takes the learners to the workshop where he
himself use health and safety kits and explains the students how to operate
different tools and machines. The learners follow the instructions of the
teacher step by step and repeat the same and they develop behavior which enables
them to follow health and safety rules while operating the machines. The
teacher use positive and negative reinforcement to encourage them to learn.
There is a unit in
which teacher act as a facilitator and supervise the work the learners. The
student form three groups and each group design and construct a house. The
students work independently and are facilitated by the teacher. They involve
themselves in constructing new thing and the facilitator refines their
understanding through supervision.
To conclude all the
learning theories have their own importance and are applied in different
situation in designing the program and learning.
