Customized Learning Theory Paper: Final Instructions

Your final paper in this course will present your own customized theory of human learning and development. Everyone operates with a "theory" of what makes the best learning environment and how people grow and develop. The problem is that most education professionals' theories are not well-informed nor are they articulated clearly. Thus, for this paper, you will articulate your idea of "the best learning environment" and support it using the theoretical perspectives of what defines the "best of" in education. This assignment will be completed in 2 stages: an annotated bibliography (week 5) and a final paper (week 8). Your finished paper will give you a conceptual framework from which to draw strategies and practices for the success of all parties involved in the teaching-learning process.

The paper must be 8 pages: 6 pages for the body, 1 cover page, and 1 references page. It must use at least 8 references and include a solid biblical basis for your theory. If you have more than 1 page of references after meeting your 8-page content requirement, be assured that points will not be deducted.

You may find it useful to focus on the educational area in which you intend to serve (high school, gifted, ADHD, etc). Information for your educational theory can be found throughout all the activities completed during this course. Your resources must include both of your textbooks.

Throughout the paper, it is essential that you demonstrate your understanding of the readings and course work. You will be graded on how well you integrate 1 or more of the theories studied in this course; your theory must be unified and congruent. You must design your paper by including the following headings:

I. Introduction

II. Learning Theory and Its Importance

III. Description of an Effective Teacher and Learning Environment (Be sure to include discussions of direct instruction, technology, motivation, classroom management. See below.)

IV. Learning Characteristics (How does your customized theory address multimodalities and ability grouping?)

V. Personal Reflection (What is the relationship of your personal Learning Styles Profile, Study Skills Inventory, and Philosophical Methodology of Learning Profile to creating your customized learning theory?)

VI. Conclusion

When writing your third section-the description of an effective teacher and learning environment-you will gather some valuable information from Chapter 1 of your Slavin textbook where it discusses an effective teacher. Think about what influence direct instruction has on your learning theory from Chapter 7. Or, for example, consider what ability-grouping methods would be most prevalent according to your learning theory, and why, from Chapter 8? Do not forget to discuss technology in your learning environment from Chapter 9. The type of motivations that would be included in your theory could be gleaned from Chapter 10. How you can prevent problems or distractions in your learning environment can be found in Chapter 11.

The fifth section of your paper is going to be a personal reflection on all of the different profiles you take throughout the course. You will be describing your personal learning styles and study skills. The use of first person is acceptable where appropriate. Substantiate your assumptions with authoritative references. Why is understanding the way you learn important for having an effective learning theory?