Related: Behaviorism, Communal Constructivism, Social Learning Theory, Zone of Proximal Development, Vygotzksy’s Sociocultural Learning Theory, Feedback Loops In Learning, Gradual Release of Responsibility, Cognitive Load Theory
Learning theory isn’t generally high on the list of practicing teachers.
For starters, teachers are busy poring over the classic–or emerging–learning theories that can inform their teaching on a day-to-day basis. Secondly, much of K-12 pedagogy in the United States is subject to the constraints of academic standards, district pacing guides, curriculum maps, etc.
Learning theory is more commonly studied in college than in teacher professional development sessions or at home after grading papers; it’s not easy to find the time.
But in small bites, it’s more manageable, so let’s take a look.
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