Psychology+Theories


 * Instructional Theories** "are ideas that revolve around media in the classroom. They are designed to engage and enhance a learner's education."

**Summarization of Theories:**
[|physiotherapy Richmond Hill] A. Classical Conditioning- The article discusses the scientists Ivan Pavlov (who worked with dogs and found that they begin to salivate right before they are fed…later a bell was introduced, and Pavlov realized that the dogs associated the bell with being fed), and John B. Watson (who researched the affects of classical conditioning on children when they are stimulated by an outside factor). B. Social Learning Theory- is based on the idea that people learn by observing others. Therefore, teachers are responsible for demonstrating proper behavior and projecting certain ideas in order for their students to retain and remodel what they are supposed to be learning.
 * I. Behaviorism**- stems from the idea that we respond to outside stimuli in order to procure a certain response (Pavlov’s dogs). The stronger the stimuli, the more likely there is to be a response.

A. Attribution Theory- believes that one should observe the world and everyone in it in order to understand why people do what they do. It focuses on two main ideas: internal and external attribution. People tend to see their own failures as external while they see other’s failures as internal. The opposite can be said about success: people view their own success as internal while others are “lucky” (external). B. Multimedia Learning- takes the idea that the brain is a “processing machine” and tries to connect the way we process information to our learning. For example, Richard Mayer (original theorist) believed that the brain process information in different ways simultaneously. Therefore, words become more meaningful if they are paired with a picture and pictures become more influential of they are shown along with song…and so on.
 * II. Cognitivism**- believes in a more hands on, “interactive” approach to the learning process. Learning requires more than just an outside source stimulating a response. The brain is made up of many functions; cognitivists believe that people should open their “black box” part of the brain to experience more productive learning.

A. Social Development Theory- was created by Vygotsky with three major factors in mind: learning is based on interaction with peers, the broader the base of knowledge the “easier” it is to understand new theories and ideas, and Zone of Proximal development = students understanding while being guided by peers or teachers. B. Problem- Based learning- although there are some criticisms of this pedagogical approach, teachers can modify their instructions to highlight the important aspects of problem-based learning. Students must take situations in the classroom and apply them to “real-life” situations in order to grasp a better understanding of what is being taught.
 * III. Constructivism**- believes that people construct their own information according to their life experiences and thought process. Learners need to “construct knowledge not just acquire it.” Students then process the information given through their own understanding.

= = Quote from //To Teach// by William Ayers media type="file" key="test.wav" width="300" height="50"