While most teachers are skilled in providing opportunities for the progression of children's learning, it is sometimes without fully understanding the theory behind it. With greater insight into what is currently known about the processes of learning and about individual learners, teachers are better equipped to provide experiences and situations that are more likely to lead to effective acquisition of knowledge, concepts and skills. Ways of Learning has been widely used and now, fully updated, it seeks to provide further insight into the ways in which learning takes place, which teachers can make use of in their planning and teaching, including: an overview of learning behaviourism and the beginning of theory cognitive and constructivist learning multiple intelligences and learning styles difficulties with learning the influence of neuropsychology other theories, philosophies and names relating theory to practice. The fourth edition of this book includes developments in areas covered in the preceding editions, as well as expanding on certain topics to bring about a wider perspective; most notably, a new consideration of learning styles and a new chapter detailing important thinkers and writers from the history of education and their continuing influence along with other theories, ideas and thoughts not included in the rest of the book. The book also reflects changes in government policy and is closely related to new developments in practice. Written for trainee teachers, serving teachers and others interested in learning for various reasons, Ways of Learning serves as a valuable introduction for students setting out on higher degree work who are in need of an introduction to the topic.

While most teachers are skilled in providing opportunities for the progression of children’s learning, it is sometimes without fully understanding the theory behind it. With greater insight into what is currently known about the processes of learning and about individual learners, teachers are better equipped to provide experiences and situations that are more likely to lead to effective acquisition of knowledge, concepts and skills.

Ways of Learning has been widely used and now, fully updated, it seeks to provide further insight into the ways in which learning takes place, which teachers can make use of in their planning and teaching, including:

■ an overview of learning

■ behaviourism and the beginning of theory

■ cognitive and constructivist learning

■ multiple intelligences and learning styles

■ difficulties with learning

■ the influence of neuropsychology

■ other theories, philosophies and names

■ relating theory to practice.

The fourth edition of this book includes developments in areas covered in the preceding editions, as well as expanding on certain topics to bring about a wider perspective; most notably, a new consideration of learning styles and a new chapter detailing important thinkers and writers from the history of education and their continuing influence along with other theories, ideas and thoughts not included in the rest of the book. The book also reflects changes in government policy and is closely related to new developments in practice.

Written for trainee teachers, serving teachers and others interested in learning for various reasons, Ways of Learning serves as a valuable introduction for students setting out on higher degree work who are in need of an introduction to the topic.

Table of Contents

Preface

Preface to the fourth edition

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 Learning

Chapter 2 Behaviourism and the beginnings of theory

Chapter 3 Cognitive, constructivist learning

Chapter 4 Multiple intelligences and Learning styles

Chapter 5 Difficulties with learning

Chapter 6 The impact of neuroeducational research

Chapter 7 Other theories, ideas and people to know about

Chapter 8 Relating theory to practice: what can we learn from research?

Appendix Comparing and contrasting Piaget and Vygotsky – in summary

References

Index

Psychology for the Classroom: Constructivism and Social Learning provides a lively introduction to the much debated topics of talk and group collaboration in classrooms, and the development of interactive approaches to teaching. The authors provide a background to research in constructivist and social learning theory, offering a broad and practical analysis which focuses on contemporary issues and strategies, including the use of e-learning and multimedia. Throughout the book theory is linked with its practical implications for everyday teaching and learning and chapters incorporate:

• the history of constructivist and social learning theory and key thinkers
• pedagogical implications
• practical strategies for the classroom
• constructivist theory and e-learning.

Case studies and vignettes demonstrating best practice are used throughout the text, illustrating how monitored collaboration between learners can result in an effective learning environment where targets are met. Essential reading for practising teachers and students, this book is a valuable guide for those looking to provide effective teaching and learning within a constructivist framework.

Examining the way in which the internet and other information sources can be used to maximum potential within the classroom, this book bridges the gap between theory and practice and underpins how pupils can use the internet to improve their literacy and scientific skills. It also offers a range of situations and activities for direct use in the classroom. Drawing upon the most recent classroom research, this is an essential text for students, curriculum leaders and teachers who wish to improve their skills in this area.

Psychology for the Classroom: Constructivism and Social Learning provides a lively introduction to the much debated topics of talk and group collaboration in classrooms, and the development of interactive approaches to teaching. The authors provide a background to research in constructivist and social learning theory, offering a broad and practical analysis which focuses on contemporary issues and strategies, including the use of e-learning and multimedia. Throughout the book theory is linked with its practical implications for everyday teaching and learning and chapters incorporate:

• the history of constructivist and social learning theory and key thinkers
• pedagogical implications
• practical strategies for the classroom
• constructivist theory and e-learning.

Case studies and vignettes demonstrating best practice are used throughout the text, illustrating how monitored collaboration between learners can result in an effective learning environment where targets are met. Essential reading for practising teachers and students, this book is a valuable guide for those looking to provide effective teaching and learning within a constructivist framework.

'The aim of this book is to support schools in using the internet effectively. Refreshingly, it has a strong pedagogical focus and emphasises the value of technology to support learning...Overall a useful book that should help schools in thinking about how the internet might enhance teaching and learning' - Learning & Teaching Update All schools now have internet access, but the potential of internet technology as a teaching and learning tool is still far from fully realised. This timely book helps teachers develop pedagogical skills in using the internet through a series of case studies of good practice, all of which are based on extensive classroom research. Accessible and practical, it is a guidebook on how integrate the use of technology across teaching and learning. The book offers a range of ideas which can be used in different classroom settings. The emphasis is on practical ways of developing skills in teaching and learning, rather than on the technical specifics of the technology itself. Illustrative material - examples of children's work, website links, and further details of how projects were set up - are presented on a companion website. Chapters include: - The internet and its use in Education - what is the internet and what is its history in schools? - Pedagogy and the Internet - what impact is new technology having on teaching styles? - Learning Theory - past and current perspectives - Teaching with the internet - a series of case studies analysed in terms of pedagogy, learning theory and the effectiveness of the teaching and the learning. - Effective Teaching with the Internet - some guidelines for good practice This book will appeal to teachers in training as well as practising teachers, ICT co-ordinators and those on CPD courses.