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Definition
or Description: |
Learning
Theory deals with various models to explain how learning takes place and
to provide a frame of reference for designing, developing, and delivering
instruction. |
| Comment: |
While SoTL studies almost always have
a connection to educational psychology, the investigations do not always
target psychological issues. Likewise, the relationship to a theory does
not mean that the theory is articulated by the instructor. For example,
a teacher may study the impact of increasing the relevance of the content
material by demonstrating its application in real-world situations in
order to enhance students’ understanding or increase their interest
in the subject. Such a study would certainly related to general constructivist
models or to Kolb’s (1976) experiential learning model, or to models
of instructional motivation, but the teacher’s interest would not
be on establishing evidence of these links. Rather, the focus would on
student’s use of their own experience to better understand the material.
In other words, the study would consider process and outcome without specific
reference to underlying theories. Thus, despite a constant connection
to theory, SoTL studies do not necessarily emphasize it in every case.
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