Learning Theories Implications

1. TSL2063R QUIZ 1
1. Implications of Learning Theories for Classroom teachers?
Bylearningtheories,teachers willbe abletomake awell-informeddecisionsaboutthe mostsuitableapproach
of learningin theirclassroom. Aseach learnersis unique individual withcomplex backgrounds,teachermust be able
toassisteachof themtoattaintheirgoalineducations.Ithelpsteacherstoapply differentlearningstylesand methods
to succeedininfluencing differentstudents’ learningabilitiesandcognitivelevels.Forexample,behaviouristlearning
theories can be applied in classroom as its environmental stimuli can be manipulated and observed directly.
By learningtheories, teacherswill alsobe able to make more knowledgeable choicestoimprove and sustain
learning. With different theories of adaptation and various guidelines to a learner’s developmental level, it allows
teachers to assist each students in having similar opportunities to advance to a higher understanding of knowledge.
Learning theories provides framework about how information is used and how knowledge is created, thus it helps
teacherstofindthe bestsuited techniques fordifferentlearningoutcomes. Forexample,throughaccurate continuous
practice, repetition and rewards to students, teachers will be able to increase students understanding of subject.
Furthermore, teachers will be able to expand their understanding, appreciate and develop their learning
beliefs. Old theories are still adequate to describe the kinds of learning beliefs that educators witness even in our
hyper-connected world. At present,online learning is one of the main approach throughwhich humanrelationships
are createdand maintained, anddue tothisfact, teachersshoulddevelop theirbeliefsof understandingandabilities
inusingtechnology. Withoutdoubt,teachersnowadaysneedtomastervarious virtualinteractiontoolsandonlywith
learning theories that they will become more efficient and successful teachers.
2. If you were a behaviourist, how would you set up your teaching environment?
If I am a behaviourist,myteachingenvironment will be a teacher-controlledenvironmentwhich focusingon
mycapabilitytopredictandcontrol studentsandmanipulate the environmenttoshape mystudent’sbehaviour.Iwill
make connections between specific stimuli with appropriate responses and in efforts to modify the subject’s
behaviour, schedulingof positive andnegative reinforcements will be appliedthroughoutlessontofurthermotivate
students.
Some illustration of myteachingapproachesinmyclassroomare inwhichIwill rewardstudentswithasticker
for each meaningful comments the student makes (continuous reinforcement). I will give out special stickers each
Thursday to students who made comments throughout the week (fixed interval reinforcement). On a random day
eachweek,Iwill give outdifferentstickers tostudentwhohaveactivelyparticipatedinclassroomdiscussion (variable
interval reinforcement). I may also reward a student with a sticker after the students contribute three meaningful
comments in classroom discussion(fixed ratio reinforcement). A studentcan also receive a sticker after the student
contributes three to ten meaningful comments (variable ratio reinforcement). Similar approach with different
incentives (stimulus) will be applied to further encourage my students to succeed in their future assessments.
In contrast, negative reinforcements will be applied to students if their behaviour is undesirable or required
improvements. For example, if students in my class does not listen quietly in lesson, punishments such as extra
homeworkwill be assignedtothemforthatnight. Otherexample, ifstudentsdidnotmanage tofinishtheirgiventasks
within a certain timeframe, breaks will be amended or they will not receive any sticker for the day. If it comes to a
more serious situation such as always making loudnoises or fighting with classmates, scolding will be done as being
reprimanded or lectured is something many students would like to avoid.
With the belief thatrewardedbehaviours are more likelytobe repeated while punishedbehavioursare less
likelytobe repeated,myteachingenvironmentwillemphasise the studentstobe engagedonthe process,notsimply
passive listeners. Random reinforcement will be arrange and prepare accordingly in order to adjust my student’s
performance up until the goal is finally reached.