LEARNING THEORIES AND MODELS OF CURRICULUM

Remember to start with a brief introduction on your context / subject area and tell the reader what the assignment will focus on. It is not necessary to go into detail on your chosen theories in your introduction.

This assignment has three parts:

Critically evaluate, compare and contrast relevant theories and principles of learning, making links to your own area of teaching (around 2000 words).

Select 2 or 3 learning theories. It is advisable to discuss examples of both social and psychological theories. Using the name of each of your chosen theories as a subheading:

• Briefly explain the theory / give background on it.
• Discuss what this theory would look like in the classroom. What would the learning environment be, e.g. student or teacher led, and what type of classroom activities would be used? Take opportunities to compare / contrast it to other theories here and remember to cite sources.
• Discuss, with specific, practical examples, how to the theory relates to your own teaching practice and to what extent it promotes inclusion.

Critically evaluate the theories and principles which seem to underpin curriculum initiatives and design in your specialist area and context (around 750 words).

• Briefly reiterate your teaching context.
• Linking to theories and models of curriculum design, discuss the curriculum framework of your specialist area and context. Keeping in mind the aim of your curriculum will help you here.
• Critically evaluate to what extent the prevalent learning theories you have commented on are congruent with the curriculum framework of your context.
• Use your reading and give specific examples from your practice to support your discussion.

Draw specific conclusions for the development of your practice (around 250 words).

Either

• Identify and discuss one further theory which you could experiment with in your future practice, giving a clear rationale for your choice. Include specific examples of how you might experiment with this theory in the classroom.

Or

Discuss how you would further align the curriculum approaches in your context to theories of learning.