Customized Learning Theory Paper
Whitney Vick
April 26, 2012
Liberty University
Customized Learning Theory Many educators operate their classrooms using a “learning theory” that they feel optimizes the best learning environment for their students. As an educator it is very important to create your own customized learning theory to use in your classroom. A customized learning theory is developed to create an optimum learning environment for students. Educators have to research and put into practice the ideas that they feel may work best in their classroom. In this paper, I will be discussing my own customized learning theory incorporating theoretical perspectives that I believe make an ideal learning environment. Using differentiated instruction and learning styles in the classroom are two very important topics to accomadate for in an early childhood classroom. In simple terms, differentiated instruction pertains to teaching a child based on their individual needs. Learning styles refer to the methods educators use in their lessons to help children learn, including audio, visual, and hands on methods. Romans 12:6 states, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them”. In this verse, God is emphasizing that all of his children are given different gifts. If all students have different gifts, then they have varied abilities in all areas of life, including learning. Teachers need to address the individual “gifts” that students have been incorporating differentiated instruction and learning styles into his/her classroom. Slavin (2012) defines differenentiated instruction as, “an approach to teaching that adapts the content, level, pace, and products of instruction to accommodate the different needs of diverse students in regular classes.” Landrum and McDuffie state in their article, “by differentiating instruction, teachers can A) challenge all learners by providing varied levels of difficulty, B)
April 26, 2012
Liberty University
Customized Learning Theory Many educators operate their classrooms using a “learning theory” that they feel optimizes the best learning environment for their students. As an educator it is very important to create your own customized learning theory to use in your classroom. A customized learning theory is developed to create an optimum learning environment for students. Educators have to research and put into practice the ideas that they feel may work best in their classroom. In this paper, I will be discussing my own customized learning theory incorporating theoretical perspectives that I believe make an ideal learning environment. Using differentiated instruction and learning styles in the classroom are two very important topics to accomadate for in an early childhood classroom. In simple terms, differentiated instruction pertains to teaching a child based on their individual needs. Learning styles refer to the methods educators use in their lessons to help children learn, including audio, visual, and hands on methods. Romans 12:6 states, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them”. In this verse, God is emphasizing that all of his children are given different gifts. If all students have different gifts, then they have varied abilities in all areas of life, including learning. Teachers need to address the individual “gifts” that students have been incorporating differentiated instruction and learning styles into his/her classroom. Slavin (2012) defines differenentiated instruction as, “an approach to teaching that adapts the content, level, pace, and products of instruction to accommodate the different needs of diverse students in regular classes.” Landrum and McDuffie state in their article, “by differentiating instruction, teachers can A) challenge all learners by providing varied levels of difficulty, B)
References: Hindman, A., Morrison, F. (2011). Family Involvement and Educator Outreach in Head Start. The Elementary School Journal, Volume111, (3), 359-386. Ojose, Bobby. (2008). Applying Piaget 's Theory of Cognitive Development to Mathematics Instruction. The Mathematics Educator, 18(1), 26-30. Slavin, R.E. (2012). Educational psychology. MA: Pearson. Van Brummelen, Harro. (2009). Walking with God in the classroom. Colorado Springs/>, CO/>/>: Purposeful Design Publications Landrum, T., McDuffie, K. (2010). Learning Styles in the Age of Differentiated Instrucion. Exceptionality, 18(1), 6-17. Parette, H., Quesenberry, A., Blum, C. (2010). Missing the Boat with Technology Usage in Early Childhood Settings: A 21st Century View of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(5), 335-343.