Learning Theories

                                               

                                                 

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.