Learning Theories
Behaviorism
A behaviorism learning is a black box learning. This is where the learner just absorbs all the information being portrayed to them. A very simple way to test this type of learner is to set a selected questions and see the positive response and such test must be done repetitively.
As an engineering academic staff, we have more practical learning than just grasping knowledge through theories. However, I personally have certain areas where coding is involved. In such cases, I make sure that a particular coding is fully understood by students by repetitively doing certain coding scenarios and see a positive response from the students.
Cognitivism
Brain activity is involved in cognitivism. There is a transfer of information for a long-term memory. The learner grasps the information and stores it until the point they need to use it for a particular reason, be it exams, debating or just as a reference.
As for my personal experience, I always inform about certain scenarios whether or not it may appear sooner, to be aware of this particular concept as it will be used later on. An example is just teaching the students the usage of a particular engineering equipment in the introductory lab telling them to have this knowledge throughout the course and program.
Constructivism
Personally, the most effective way of teaching-learning combination. The teacher engages the learners to grasp the information by actually involving them to take part in the learning part. This could be the students coming on the board to solve particular questions or just demonstrating a particular skill upon shown once.
As mentioned earlier, as an engineering academic staff, this is the most helpful way of teaching and learning situation. Involvement of students towards their teacher and peers plays a vital role in learning. Since engineering has a lot of practical labs, this type of learning can be seen through students performing practical from the concepts learnt in lectures and tutorials, together with, engaging with their peers to be involved in brain storming as well.
Useful link:
Assessment Methods
Different student have different knowledge background and experience. It is important to explore the various methods of assessing these students.
Here are few methods of conducting assessments:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Essay
- Concept Map
- Portfolio
- Poster
- Practical Experiments
- Presentations
- Open book examination
- Reflective journals
- Short answer questions
- Simulated interviews
- Debate
- Case study
- Report
- Literature reviews
The MCQs method of assessment is practiced in a unit which I teach, EE212 (Analog Electronics I), where weekly quiz is set up in MCQs form for students to attempt. This makes it very useful as students don't have to formulate an answer but can focus on the content.
Many engineering courses encourage posters to be made during assessment for a quick overview of the project.
Practical experiments are common in engineering course. Almost all the engineering units have a lab session where students put their theoretical knowledge into practice.
In my engineering courses, there are projects. Thus, presentations are carried out before the project demonstrations. Presentations help me know more about the project and also ask questions to the students regarding the project.
Integrating new learning theories in our teaching
As educators, we come across all three different types of learners. It is vital to understand that every individual prefers one type of learning method over another. Thus, we cannot simply practice only one type of teaching method.
It is understandable that each learner has its own learning caliber. However, I personally encourage to practice Constructivist Theory.
In my courses, there are many labs to be done in engineering program. By applying Constructivist Theory, students will be engaged with tasks and be focused to learn more.
Learning Theories
Constructive Alignment
Constructive alignment deals with properly structuring the intended learning outcomes (ILO), teaching and learning activities and assessments for the students. It is indeed very important as students will be well aware of the coverage and its respective assessments. The activities involved will guide students to be well on track throughout the course.
I strongly recommend for a proper constructive alignment as this would help the students to be aware of what is to be expected in the course. This will also help them to on track each week and plan well for the assessments which will occur later in a particular course.
Inclusive Education
Inclusive education is simply giving the students equal opportunity to be part of their age-appropriate learning program. This means, the same education is given to all regardless of their gender, cultural background or any personal challenges.
I put inclusive education to practice so that there are greater opportunities for interactions and prepares all students for adult life in an inclusive society. For instance, engineering has been male dominant program if we go by history, it is important not to treat the female students differently. They also should be given equal field work just as the male students.
Thus, inclusive education brings all students together in one classroom and community, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses in any area.
Comments
Add comment