Theories and Models Overview

1. Theories and ModelsOverview

2. Definition of Theory • “a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or widely accepted” American Heritage Dictionary • A theory makes sense out of facts

3. Theory versus Model versus Perspective • Often used interchangeably

4. Competing Theories • Creationism versus evolution • Fat as a cause of cholesterol versus sugar and refined carbohydrates as a cause of cholesterol

5. Relationship of Theory to Behavior • Individuals’ behaviors and practices are linked to their theories • Individuals may be conscious or unconscious of the theories they use

6. Theory and Education • Offer well-documented explanations for observable behavior • Theories are seldom accepted in total • Reaction to a theory often leads to a new theory • A broad understanding of theories is necessary for effective practice

7. Theory and Educational Research • Theories allow for prediction; accuracy of prediction tests the validity of the theory • Research is tied to theories; testing the validity of a theory or extending it to a new population or a new context.

8. Theory and Educational Research • Research studies have theoretical foundations • Hypothesis: what researchers expect will happen • Discussion: why researchers believe something did happen

9. Theory and Education • Emergence of a theory is often tied to external and political conditions • Reaction to a theory often leads to a new theory

10. Multiple Theoretical Lenses • There is no single “correct” theory to use for improving classroom practice or framing research • Educators must consider multiple theoretical viewpoints • The value of a theory depends on its research base

11. Early TheoriesNot Specifically Tied to Literacy but Still Influential • Mental Discipline Theory • Associationism • Unfoldment Theory • Structuralism

12. Behaviorism1900-1950 • Focused on observable changes in behavior • Classical Conditioning: Pavlov • Connectionism: Thorndike • Operant Conditioning: Skinner

13. Classical Conditioning • Dog salivates when seeing empty food bowl; associates bowl with food • When a bell is gradually substituted for the empty bowl, dog salivates when hearing the bell • Initial response is changed over time as a result of repeated associations

14. Connectionism • Law of Effect • Law of Readiness • Law of Identical Elements • Law of Exercise

15. Operant Conditioning Theory Skinner • Learning involves acquiring behavioral patterns in response to the environment • Stimulus Response Conditioning: Behavior is elicited by stimulus

16. Operant Conditioning Theory Skinner • Operant or Instrumental Conditioning: Behavior emitted without observable stimulus • More frequent • Less important to determine stimulus • More important to determine consequence

17. Relationship of Early Theories to Literacy • Examination of reading as a perceptual activity • Subskills approach • Stress on “skill and drill” • Focus on the program

18. Digestion Time • What elements present in today’s schools reflect elements of these early theories?