Applying Learning Theories

: Applying Learning Theories- Unit 5

Assignment Type : Discussion Board Unit 5 Deliverable Length : 4 paragraphs

Why is it important to align both instruction and assessment methods with theory ? How can an organization 's educational paradigm support or obstruct this alignment process ? Provide examples to support your discussion . Support your discussion with research

It is important to align both instruction and assessment methods with theory to attain the educational objective . As to how can an organization 's educational paradigm support or obstruct this alignment process , is rooted on different assumptions under

each theory . Each learning theory has its own set of assumptions about human beings . For example behavioral learning assumes that human beings reacts to punishments and rewards and therefore the instruction and assessment method should follow that assumption to be able to reach the an education objective that was created pursuant to that theory

Let us then determine the relationship the educational paradigm with the alignment process . Paradigms are could mean beliefs about the nature of knowledge and the level of teacher and student involvement Some classify these paradigms : positivist , proponents of which proclaim their objectivity constructivist , believers in which take pride in their subjectivity and critical , adherents to which view themselves as the forces of liberation engaged in mortal conflict with the powers of oppression (Reeves , 1996 . It should be easy to see that these paradigms could either support or obstruct this alignment process . Take for example if the learning theory is behavioral but the paradigm is positivist . In here there would appear to be a conflict since the under behavioral learning there must be some subjectivity but the paradigm is purely objective and relies of what it can prove by evidence , then there could an irreconcilable conflict . It would just like putting a gasoline to a diesel engine , it simply would not run . On the other hand , if the learning theory is cognitive and the paradigm is positivist , there could appear a matching of assumptions since under the two the concept of what is evidentially and objectively obvious would readily accepted

To support this observation let us take the case of Constanza Ardila (Ashoka , 2006 , where the author said : Most institutional projects directed towards the victims of political violence have not attempted to alter the pedagogical roots of violence or change the culture of violence in which children grow up . They have been concerned largely with the denunciation of human rights abuses and violent acts . Others have implemented a model of assistance to respond to immediate needs such as housing , clothing , and food for a few months after political violence or displacement , without addressing the context , which perpetuates a culture of violence . State and private institutions focus only on the political and economic causes of the violence , which affects rich and poor , regardless of their politics . Constanza maintains that the causes of violence are found in a culture sustained by educational models and family and societal relationships . Even with economic improvements and the resolution of the civil...