Learning Theories

This assignment requires you to have an understanding of some major theories of learning and to apply these theories to your work environment. The assignment also focuses your attention on applying learning theories to a teaching and training context, and gives you the opportunity to explore how theory contributes to your teaching practice.

Select two theories most relevant to your adult and vocational teaching and learning context.
Discuss Knowles’ Principles of Andragogy and two other learning theories* relating these to your own teaching or training practice.
• Explain how these adult learning principles and theories relate to your teaching context
Knowles’ principles of andragogy are adult learning principles. So the first dot point asks you to explain how Knowles’ principles of adult learning and the two theories you select relate to your context.

However, the following subpoints do not reference Knowles, only the two learning theories.
• Discuss differences and similarities between these theories or approaches to learning
• Give examples of the importance of your context in shaping your students’ learning
• Discuss teaching strategies consistent with the theories you select and ways to incorporate adult learning principles into your current teaching practice context.

General:
• 2500 to 2700 words
• Use APA (7th Ed.) referencing; APA referencing conventions in both in-text referencing and reference list have been used accurately and consistently and effectively
• Use first person when discussing your own teaching practice and context. You can use headings.
• Provide brief introduction with your context and theories you select; finish with very brief conclusion.
• Integrates existing knowledge, professional literature, and own teaching and learning context.
• An extensive range of relevant literature from scholarly sources has been evaluated and synthesised, substantially supporting the arguments.
• Presents a proposition that critically applies learning theories in support of your specific student cohort, and considers relevance of selected theories across the wider spectrum of adult or vocational education.
• Points are succinct and made using an excellent academic writing style.
Marking Criteria High Distinction
Discuss key adult learning principles and learning theories of adult and vocational education explaining the differences and similarities between them 20/50 Demonstrates knowledgeable and insightful understanding and critical analysis of each learning theory and the differences and similarities between them.

Teaching strategies and approaches chosen for each theory demonstrate understanding of the theory as it relates to own teaching practice/context.
20/50
Presents a proposition that informs the reader about the effective application of the chosen teaching strategies and approaches for each learning theory: demonstrating a deep and insightful understanding of how each learning theory can be applied in practice to shape learning in your context and the wider context of adult and vocational education.
Academic skills
10/50
Integrates existing knowledge, professional literature, and own teaching and learning context.
An extensive range of relevant literature from scholarly sources has been evaluated and synthesised, substantially supporting the arguments.
Presents a proposition that critically applies learning theories in support of your specific student cohort, and considers relevance of selected theories across the wider spectrum of adult or vocational education.
Points are succinct and made using an excellent academic writing style.
APA referencing conventions in both in-text referencing and reference list have been used accurately and consistently and effectively

As both Race, p (2014) and Knowles, M (2012) suggest successful learning occurs when there is a want and a need to learn.

Expert Answer:

The two learning theories I have selected for this assignment are Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Learning Theory (SLT).

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a theory of motivation that focuses on the psychological needs of individuals and how they can be fulfilled in order to achieve optimal functioning and well-being. According to SDT, there are three basic psychological needs that must be met in order for individuals to feel motivated and engaged in their learning: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy refers to the need for individuals to feel a sense of control over their own lives and learning. Competence refers to the need to feel capable and effective in one’s endeavors. Relatedness refers to the need to feel connected and supported by others.

Social Learning Theory (SLT) is a theory of learning that focuses on the role of social interactions and observation in shaping individual behavior. According to SLT, individuals learn by observing the behavior of others and the consequences of that behavior. This can occur through direct reinforcement, where the individual receives a reward or punishment for their behavior, or through vicarious reinforcement, where the individual observes the consequences of another’s behavior and decides whether or not to imitate it based on those consequences.

One key difference between these two theories is that SDT focuses on the internal psychological factors that drive behavior, while SLT focuses on the external factors, such as reinforcement and observation. However, both theories recognize the importance of social interactions and relationships in shaping learning and behavior.

In my teaching practice, I often use techniques that are consistent with both SDT and SLT in order to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for my adult students. For example, I try to give my students a sense of autonomy by allowing them to choose their own learning goals and activities, and by providing them with resources and support to help them achieve those goals. I also try to foster a sense of competence by providing my students with challenging but achievable tasks, and by providing feedback and support to help them improve their skills. Finally, I try to create a sense of relatedness by building positive relationships with my students and by creating a sense of community in the classroom.

In order to incorporate these adult learning principles and theories into my current teaching practice context, I also try to be aware of the specific needs and motivations of my students. For example, I might use SDT to help students who are struggling with motivation by identifying their specific psychological needs and helping them to find ways to fulfill those needs in their learning. I might also use SLT to help students who are struggling with a particular task by demonstrating the task for them or by providing examples of others who have successfully completed the task.

Overall, both SDT and SLT provide valuable insights into the complex process of adult learning, and by incorporating their principles and approaches into my teaching practice, I am able to create a more supportive and effective learning environment for my students.