MTU Library Catalogue

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Learning theories : an educational perspective / Dale H. Schunk.

By: Schunk, Dale H.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Pearson/Merrill/Prentice Hall, 2004Edition: 4th ed.Description: xii, 532 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.ISBN: 0130384968; 9780130384966.Subject(s): Learning | Cognition | Learning, Psychology of | Cognitivism, cognitive theory | Cognition & cognitive psychology | Educational: History | Study & learning skills: generalDDC classification: 370.1523 SCH

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Through its succinct yet thorough overviews of current behavioral, cognitive and developmental theories, this book explores the many ways in which learning principles can be applied in a variety of educational settings, with a diverse population of learners. It features down-to-earth language, clear explanations, and specific examples of abstract concepts. The author examines the relationship between learning and other topics of importance to educators-development, motivation, instruction, and self-regulation. A detailed glossary of more than 300 technical terms facilitates understanding, and a bibliography with more than 1,100 references encourages self-study. For future and in-service teachers with a minimal psychology background.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 489-518) and indexes.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • 1 Learning: Introduction, Issues, Historical Perspectives
  • 2 Behavioral Theories
  • 3 Social Cognitive Theory
  • 4 Information Processing
  • 5 Cognitive Learning Processes
  • 6 Cognition and Instruction
  • 7 Constructivism
  • 8 Motivation
  • 9 Content-Area Learning
  • 10 Development and Learning
  • Glossary
  • References
  • Author Index
  • Subject Index

Excerpt provided by Syndetics

Theory and research on human learning have expanded dramatically in recent years. This point is underscored by considering some of the topics addressed in this text that were not covered in the first edition published in 1991: constructivism, situated cognition, implicit theories, brain development, apprenticeships, peer collaboration, distance education, and E-learning. The relevance of each of these topics to human learning is now firmly established. Better integration with education of such disciplines as psychology, human development, and instructional technology has contributed to the expansion of the field of learning. Despite all these changes, the primary objectives of this fourth edition remain the same as those of the previous three editions: (a) to inform students of learning theoretical principles, concepts, and research findings, especially as they relate to education, and (b) to provide applications of principles and concepts in settings where, teaching and learning occur. Although different theories of learning are discussed, the text continues to focus on cognitive perspectives. This focus is consistent with the contemporary emphasis on learners as seekers and constructors of knowledge rather than as reactors to events. STRUCTURE OF THIS TEXT The text's 10 chapters are organized as follows. In the introductory chapter, I discuss learning theory-, research, and issues, as well as historical foundations of the study of learning and the relation of learning to instruction. The end of this chapter includes three scenarios involving elementary, secondary, and college classes. Throughout the text these scenarios are used to demonstrate applications of principles of learning, motivation, self-regulation, and instruction. Chapter 2 presents behavioral theories of learning. Current cognitive and constructivist views of learning are covered in subsequent chapters: social cognitive theory (Chapter 3); information processing (Chapter 4); cognitive learning processes (Chapter 5); cognition and instruction (Chapter 6); and constructivism (Chapter 7). The final three chapters cover topics relevant to learning: motivation (Chapter 8); content-area learning (Chapter 9); and development and learning (Chapter 10). NEW TO THIS EDITION Readers familiar with prior editions will notice several content and organizational changes in this fourth edition, which reflect evolving theoretical and research emphases. Constructivism, which has become a major guiding framework in content learning and human development, is now covered in a separate chapter, although parts of this chapter--such as Vygotsky's theory--were included in prior editions. To provide better integration of self-regulation and instruction with learning theories, these topics now are integrated within each of the theory chapters rather than appearing as stand-alone chapters. This change reflects the increasing tendency of researchers from different theoretical traditions to investigate how learning principles apply to instructional contexts and students' efforts to self-regulate their academic actions. One exception is Chapter 6, cognition and instruction. This chapter stands alone because of the sheer amount of material relevant to the topic. Separate chapters on motivation and development and learning remain for the same reason, although discussions of these topics are intermingled in other chapters. Chapter 10--development and learning--has been substantially revised and now includes sections on familial and sociocultural influences on learning and brain development. These additions, like the other changes in this volume, reflect the increased interest among educators in these topics and an expanding research base on their role in human learning. Rapid developments in technology necessitated further refocusing of the section on technology and instruction (now in Chapter 6), and the continued growth of research relevant to learning resulted in more than 175 new references added to this edition--most of which were published in the last 5 years. This edition continues to provide many examples of learning concepts and principles applied to settings where learning occurs. Each chapter gives informal examples in text and detailed applications. Many of the latter are set in the scenarios described in Chapter 1. Most of the applications pertain to school-age learners, but applications to younger and older students and to nonschool settings also are included. The text is intended for use by graduate students in education or related disciplines, as well as by upper-level undergraduates interested in education. I assume that most students have taken a prior course in education or psychology and work in an educational capacity or anticipate pursuing an educational career. In addition to courses on learning, the text is appropriate for any course that covers learning in more than a cursory fashion--for example, courses on motivation, educational psychology, human development, and instructional design. Excerpted from Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective by Dale H. Schunk All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.