Reflection

I must say that I have been enlighten in this course. I have learned so much about different instructional strategies that correlate with various learning theories. I didn't realize that there were so many ways to incorporate technology with different instructional strategies. There are no modifications that I would make to my personal learning theory. An immediate adjustment that I will make in my instructional practice is to incorporate more technology with my strategies. I think it would make learning more enjoyable and interesting for my students. One long-term goal that I have is to stay abreast of technology so that I can use it in my classroom. The only way I can do this is to attend as much training as possible. I have really enjoyed this class and will use my new knowledge that I have gained.

Cooperative Learning and Social Learning Theory

Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that involves students working together in a group as or as a pair. It correlates with the social learning theory by allowing students to work together and learn from each other. Social learning is being about to interact and learn from others.

Cognitive Learning Theory and Its Instructional Strategies

Cognitive learning theory attempts to explain human behavior by examining the thought process. Cues, questions and organizers as well as summarizing and note taking are two instructional strategies that correlate with the cognitive learning theory. Both of these instructional strategies are similar in that they enhance a student's ability to manipulate information. Summarizing and note taking actually gives the student the ability to put things into their own words.

Constructivist/Constructionist Theories correlating with the instructional strategy: Generating and Testing Hypotheses

Generating and testing hypotheses involves students engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content (Pitler p. 202). This instructional strategy correlates with constructivist/constructionist learning theories by requiring students to use their brain and really think about what they are doing in order to formulate their hypotheses. Students can use their creative thinking in figuring out how to test their hypotheses.

How does "Reinforcing Effort" and "Homework and Practice" correlate with the principles of behaviorist learning theory?

Reinforcing effort enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning (Pitler p.155). This instructional strategy correlates with principles of behaviorist leanring theory by encouraging students to put forth effort in their work or learning a particular concept. When a student sees that he/she will be rewarded for putting forth effort, that will make them want to continue to put forth more effort in all that they do. Homework and practice gives students the chance to review and apply what they have learned (Pitler p. 187). This isntructional strategy definitely correlates with the principles of behaviorist learning theory in that students have to do. It is often said that practice makes perfect. Homework gives students the opportunity to practice what they have learned.