BA Library Online: Learning Theories and Instructional Design

Part of the information service I provide our learning community is the writing and posting of short curated materials. Every Thursday is #techThursday and this week, I put together link to resources and "think pieces" on Learning Theories and Instructional Design.

Learning Theories serve as important guiding principles in creating teaching plans and resources, and when designing instruction for remote or distance learning. Here is an infographic on three Learning Theories as moorings of pedagogy. Below is an excerpt from the article where the infographic was taken. 

Click this - Learning Theory and Instructional Design, to access the full article from Shift Learning.

"While there's no single formula for selecting the most appropriate theory, experts usually match learning theories with the learning content.

For instance, the behavioral approach is much more effective in helping learners master the content of his or her profession (knowing what) and where learner bring almost none prior knowledge to learning.

On the other hand, the cognitive approach can effectively help learners solve problems in unfamiliar situations (knowing how) as this theory is usually considered more appropriate for explaining complex forms of learning (reasoning, problem solving, etc).

As for the constructivist approach, experts have effectively applied it when dealing with ill-defined problems that calls for reflection-in-action.(Ertmer P. & Newby, T., 1993)"

BA Library Online: Points for Reflection 2

At Week 2 of our library online services, I rounded up articles on instructional design, creating connections, bibliotherapy and the inevitable changes that the pandemic will take effect when this is all over.

We are done with another week of online classes. Progress reports were sent out last week. We are all exploring teaching and learning online, an environment that is both exciting and scary. We are never short of compassion in this trying time and the concern is genuine when reaching out, lending a hand and learning together. We are Griffins!

To end the week in reflection, here are selected readings to accompany us all in the journey.

One of the many challenges that came about the transition to online learning was the management of the virtual or digital space for learning. Nothing will ever replace the physical space of the classroom but a relationship with our students can continue, even flourish online. In this article, teachers from all over share these strategies they have actually done to maintain the relationship with their students. The article includes a Google Form for student check-ins. This can prove helpful for Guidance, Advisory or in-between units of online classes.

I had a chat with my advisees over at Hangouts last Wednesday. Except for one, they were all prompt in signing in and were chattier than usual. I thought, either they miss seeing and being with each other or have been really anxious with the stay at home protocol this pandemic has subjected the entire world into. It is a tall order to keep relationships tethered to our students. It is even a taller order for the teenager to discipline himself or herself studying at home. Consider the socio-emotional aspect of learning when crafting lessons for online classes. This article has advice, ideas and practical tips.

There is a possibility that the lockdown or the enhanced community quarantine will spill over into May until June. The news that DepEd is looking at the conduct of online classes for school year 2020-2021 had everyone shuddering. Not from excitement, I think. Futurists, educators and school leaders weigh in on that possibility and how the COVID-19 pandemic can change learning especially the environment and the terrain for which it is designed.