Learning Theories Profile

First Set of Results

Second Set of Results

The results on the initial quiz showed my espoused theory of learning based largely in the Interactive and Learner Active quadrants of the matrix, reflecting my philosophy of the individual being at the centre of the learning and shaping their own learning as well as relationships between the teacher and learner being crucial to success. However, the results for Theory in Use suggest that theories in the Environment Active quadrant have as much influence on my teaching practice as Interactive theories. Upon reflection, I am aware that operant conditioning is used on a daily basis in our New Entrant classroom, but hopefully in an ethically acceptable way. I was disappointed to see the actual use of Learner Active theories being significantly lower than the espoused use. This maybe a reflection of my limited knowledge regarding these theories or the knowledge being acquired so long ago it is no longer upper most in my daily practice.

The second set of results show similar results for espoused theory with the exception of an increase in theories in the Passive quadrant of the matrix. I am wondering if this is a reflection of working with children on the autistic spectrum, an area where the contribution of a genetic etiology is becoming increasingly accepted. What I was encouraged to see in this set of results is over 50% of my Theory in Use being drawn from the Interactive and learner Active quadrants with a reduction in the Environment Active theories quadrant.

Although, as stated above, I instinctively lean towards theories in which the learner plays an active role I have learnt from work in this domain that most theories have both strengths and limitations and also that they rise and fall in popularity over time. As a teacher I need to be able to draw on a range of theories to inform my practice and to cater for the diverse needs of the children I teach. A theory acts as a guide to our teaching practice but we are the ones steering the waka; we need to apply critical thinking to these theories to take what is valuable from them for our learners.