Learning Theories Compilation (Mod. 2)

Since working on my undergraduate studies in the college of education, I have been inundated with learning theories and their ramifications on classroom learning.  At points in my college career, both undergraduate and postgraduate, and my professional career, I have wondered if the theories developed by old, dead psychologists had any merit in today’s rapidly changing classroom, and if the sheer number of learning theories was harmful and counterproductive.

Thankfully, it seems that I am not the only civilian philosopher that has contemplated these questions.  While I do not consider Bill Kerr to be a civilian philosopher, he raises a great question about the use of so many “_isms” to define learning theories.  One question we share specifically is the fact that there are so many learning theories, should we neglect the theories holistically and only pick and choose the aspects of each that fit our needs?

I know it may seem insensitive and calloused to take the hard work of these learning theorists and chop them up and use them piece mill, but it seems more logical and more practical to combine the best and most useful qualities of each.  In fact, Kerr seems to agree, stating “each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone on their own right.”

What I found most interesting is the fact that Kapp explicitly matches the learning theories with activities that accentuate the purpose of each theory.  Kapp’s endingis perhaps most appropriate in his contention that learning is multi-layered and is not confined to one theory.  As mentioned previously, these learning theories can, and often do, seem distant and complex.  However, the beauty of each is that they have morphed and evolved as education has morphed and evolved. Because of the fluidity of learning, these theories will continue to morph and evolve, eventually forming one learning theory that encompasses all of the best characteristics of each theory.

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved fromhttp://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/