A Theory of Learning

1. A Theory of Learning • Learning occurs in stages, or a hierarchy of building blocks • Each building block provides foundational structure for the next in the learning process • This is “line upon line,” “precept upon precept,” “level to level” • Application of each building block develops learners from lower-level skills and/or knowledge to higher-order thinking, understanding, and mastery • “Understanding” is the demonstrated ability of a learner to recognize and apply principles. Understanding, then, allows learning to accelerate, as learners “discover” either on their own or by working in groups with similar or greater understanding • Application is the key to learning at each building block phase and to retention of learning in long-term memory • Meaningful learning, relevant to the learner, is retained and reinforced through continual application at some interval of frequency Bruce Kusch - November 14, 2007

2. Hierarchy of Application, Teaching & Learning Mastery The role of the teacher will vary based on where students are in the hierarchy of learning. These might be called the “Conditions of Teaching.” Methods, pedagogy, and instructional design must change and adapt based on the changing role of the teacher. Understanding Understanding applied becomes mastery Experience Experience applied becomes understanding Skills/knowledge Skills and knowledge applied becomes experience Idea/concept An idea or concept taught and applied becomes skills and knowledge Bruce Kusch - November 14, 2007

3. The objective of every teacher is to create and develop a learning environment and learning experiences eventually leading to understanding. ONLY when there is understanding can or will lasting change and learning occur. Understanding occurs when teachers and students are prepared…one to give, one to receive. The “giver” is not always the teacher, and the “receiver” is not always the student. In this process the “giver” and the “receiver” learn together and from one another. Receiving, then, becomes essential if real learning leading to understanding is to occur. Bruce Kusch - November 14, 2007

4. Teaching by Applicationseven events of instruction Foundational principles, concepts, theories of the course Bruce Kusch - November 14, 2007

5. “Gives” means teacher applies principles of instructional design to facilitate a learning experience Student “receives” based on motivation, preparation, and readiness to learn The teacher, learning from the students, applies learning to improve learning experience The Cycle of Teaching and Understanding Student engages in learning experience Teacher receives response and evaluates effectiveness of learning experience Teacher uses instrument(s) of assessment as defined in instructional design Student responds, indicating degree of learning Bruce Kusch - November 14, 2007