Kyung-Sook Cha
In this chapter, learning is discussed from three different theoretical perspectives: behavioral, information processing, and constructivist. It is said that every profession, including teaching, is built on a foundation of theoretical knowledge that allows practitioners to adapt to the unique characteristics of a particular situation. Learning theory, not motivation theory or communication theory, was focused in this chapter because the purpose of teaching is learning and the teacher's primary role in learning is that of instructional expert. I think Newby et al. explained each theory very well in terms of its background, its central principles, and its practical applications. And also, they explained what is the teacher's primary role and what the teacher can do to carry out that role and what is the student's primary responsibility in each theory. Finally in selecting theoretical principles for teaching, it is said that teachers should understand a variety of theoretical perspectives because each perspective contributes something to good instruction and particular principle should be chosen according to students' knowledge level and the amount of thought and reflection required by the learning task.
Last semester, I had a chance to learn about some learning principles.
After reading this chapter, I came to better understand characteristics
of learning theory and how it could be adapted in a particular learning
situation. There were examples of using each theory through Ms. Moreno's
Spanish classroom in this textbook. Each example was a good model and it
was shown that all the learning theories could be adapted accordingly.
If I have an opportunity to teach English again, I will make the best of
learning theory into my class, enhancing students' learning experience.