Peer Review

The Learning Classroom: Theory into Practice

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Sep 23, 2005 by Teacher Education

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This website is a companion website for a video-based course on the applications
of modern learning theory to classroom instruction. The course is based on 13
one-half hour videos that are available over the Internet in streaming video.
Additionally the website contains extensive instructional supplements for use
with the videos and references for further information on topics discussed in
the videos.
Type of Material:: Tutorial/lecture
Recommended Uses:: The major value of the videos is encouraging the understanding and transfer of
learning theory concept and principles to classroom applications. The videos
provide dynamic applications of learning theory principles in real classroom
settings thus providing relevance, motivation and understanding of the material
to the students. One scenario for using the site in the manner described above
would be to introduce and explain an important topic in class, such as cognitive
apprenticeship covered in video #8, after study of the topic have students
individually or in a group view the video, and following this using material
from the Session Guide (available on the website) or using other material lead a
discussion of the video to reinforce the application of its concepts to
classroom practice. Video/supplementary material links could easily be included
in a web-supported or fully online class.
Technical Requirements:: To view the videos over the Internet requires a high speed connection, Windows
Media Player or QuickTime and JavaScript enabled.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The student will gain an understanding of issues and concepts addressed by
modern theories of learning and an appreciation of how these theories can
contribute to effective educational practice.
Target Student Population:: Undergraduate and graduate students in teacher preparation programs as well as
in-service teachers for professional development.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Some understanding of the current educational practices while not essential
would enhance the students' appreciation of the material. For those unfamiliar
with some educational terms, a glossary is included in the project.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: In the global, knowledge-based economy the capability to be a lifelong,
independent learner becomes even more crucial. Understanding how to promote
critical thinking and independent learning in a collaborative manner is
necessary to being an effective teacher is such a climate. These videos are
based on some of the most current and research-based ideas that we have about
what kind of school environment and practices promote such learning. Topics
covered in the videos include multiple intelligences, the role of emotions in
learning, how culture influences learning, communities of learners,
metacognition, and such traditional topics as transfer of learning and the role
of motivation in learning.
Concerns:: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: Traditionally, students in education and educational psychology course have
voiced the opinion that the courses were "long on theory and short on
application." The applications in these videos should help to correct that
perception. Students can see the concepts and principles being used and
explained by real classroom teachers. Discussion engendered by studying the
applications should help students appreciate the value of a good theory for
practical applications. Particularly relevant to this goal are the Learning
Challenge exercises on the website. Each challenge takes a scenario from a
video, specifies up to 5 learning theory concepts or principles, and asks
students to identify how the teacher in the scenario used those concepts or
principles. Each exercise even has scoring rubrics for judging students'
responses.
Concerns:: None

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: Well-designed website. The first time you entered the website you are asked to
register. After registering viewing the videos is very simple. Just find the
video that you want to view and click on the VOD icon. If you wish to explore
other material associated with the videos, just click on the hyperlink labeled
Explore The Learning Classroom: Theory Into Practice Web site.
Concerns:: Finding the page that allows you to play a video using video on demand from The
Learning Classroom: Theory Into Practice web site was difficult. Using video
clips might be challenging for some students. Instructors would need to
specifically direct students to the sections of the site that they are required
to view/use.

Other Issues and Comments:: There are myriad resources included in this site. It would be useful in any
number of education classrooms, including learning theory classes, methodology,
and curriculum.
Creative Commons: