1. How People Learn - Introduction to Learning Theory

Web-based readings

Berliner, D. (1993). The 100-year journey of educational psychology: From interest, to disdain, to respect for practice. In T. Fagan and VandenBos (Eds.), Exploring applied psychology: Origins and critical analysis (Master Lectures in Psychology). Washington, DC; American Psychological Association. Retrieved 2/22/03.

http://courses.ed.asu.edu/berliner/readings/journey.htm
This lengthy history of educational psychology describes the work of key figures such as Hall, Thorndike, and Dewey. The article is somewhat opinionated and not specifically written for a teacher audience, but it is reader-friendly.

Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (Eds.). (2000). Learning: From speculation to science (Chapter 1). In How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

http://bob.nap.edu/html/howpeople1/ch1.html

 

Related links

Center for Dewey Studies
http://deweycenter.siu.edu/
Based at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, this center provides extensive information and history about John Dewey's life and research. Discussion groups and links are included.

Explorations in learning and instruction: The Theory into Practice Database
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/about.html
Entries from the learning theory sections of the online JSU Encyclopedia of Psychology. Organized by theories, domains, and concepts. Provides resources to other web sites.

About Learning
http://teachinglearningresources.pbworks.com/w/page/19919565/Learning%20Theories
This site provides an overview of major learning theories from Funderstanding. Includes information about constructivism, behaviorism, Piaget, Vygotsky, and others.

Issues and debates: Educational theory links
http://www.und.ac.za/users/murrell/classrm/theoryed.html
A collection of links to Web sites that cover a number of topics in educational theory and history from Interactive Instructional Material Research and Resources.

Return to Support Materials for Session 1.