Theories of Learning and Teaching Models

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Lecturing, presentation and discussion of assignments carried out by students, case studies, development of psychopedagogical intervention program.

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit “Learning Theories and Teaching Models” focuses on the study of the main models, strategies and pedagogical methods which derive from Learning Theories. Behavioural, Constructivist, Socio-cultural and Cognitive Theories will be studied and the way they can guide pedagogical practices will be developed.

Particular emphasis is given to the way different conceptions of learning may be the cause of different and even antagonistic pedagogical practices, especially concerning the adopted teaching methods, the way learning is structured and the methods of assessment.

Students should:

- know different teaching models, which arise from different Learning Theories

- know how to develop psychopedagogical strategies that facilitate learning

- Know how to apply teaching models and teaching strategies.  

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.Behavioral theories

Teaching models based on behavioral theories: direct instruction, mastery learning

2.Constructivist theories

The influence of constructivist theories in pedagogical practices. Teaching models based on discovery and on inquiry

3.Sociocultural theories

Vygotsky's theory

The impact of Vygotsky’s work on pedagogical practice: teaching models based on scaffolding

Situated learning and its impact on pedagogy: the cognitive apprenticeship model

4.Cognitive theories

Models of information processing and learning

Instruction according the Cognitive Load Theory. The importance of knowledge acquisition

The SOI model (Selecting, Organizing, Integrating).

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 50.0%
Frequency: 50.0%

Bibliography

Festas, I. (2019). Aprendizagem escolar e ensino. In F. Veiga (Coord.), Psicologia da Educação. Temas de aprofundamento científico para a educação XXI (pp. 213-246). CLIMEPSI.

Mayer, R. (2008). Learning and instruction (2nd ed). Pearson.

Tobias, S., & Duffy, T. (2009). Constructivist instruction: Sucess or failure? Routledge.

Veiga, F. (Coord.). (2013). Psicologia da educação. Teoria, investigação e aplicação. Envolvimento dos alunos na escola. Climepsi.