Human Learning and Development

Customized Theory of Human Learning and Development
The learning environment is characterized by the use of different theories and beliefs on what makes it the best and how people grow and develop. However, theories used by many education professionals are either not well-informed or clearly articulated. This implies that the development and use of a clearly-articulated and well-informed theory is critical toward enhancing the effectiveness of education professionals with respect to improving student learning, growth and development. As an educator, it is increasingly important to develop a customized learning theory for use within the classroom setting or learning environment. This process requires conducting research and implementing ideas that work best in the learning environment. This paper discusses my customized theory of learning and development based on theoretical perspectives of what is the best education from a Christian viewpoint.
Learning Theory and its Importance
As previously indicated, the modern education setting is characterized by the development and use of learning theories. Teaching create and utilize customized learning theories based on their belief of what is the best for their classroom settings. Therefore, learning theory plays an important role in determining teaching practices and eventually influence student outcomes. Learning theory primarily describes how students obtain, process and retain knowledge during the learning influences. According to Slavin (2015), learning theory ties facts and principles together to ensure that they are not disorganized and provide teachers a big picture of what needs to happen in the classroom. Learning theory is important because it guides teachers actions as well as the actions of other relevant stakeholders involved in education.
Slavin (2015) suggests that learning theories are classified into different categories i.e. behavior learning theories, social learning theories, and cognitive learning theories. This classification is attributable to the fact that learning is influenced by cognitive, environmental, and emotional factors. Social learning theories emphasizes on the effects of an individual’s thought on action as well as action on thought whereas behavior learning theories are centered on the consequences of an individual’s behavior. Schunk (2012) states that cognitive learning theories focus on mental processes utilized by learners to acquire, process and remember new information or skills. From a Christian perspective, learning occurs through individual study and experience and should be in dependence on God as shown in Proverbs 3:5 (Van Brummelen, 2009). Therefore, the beginning of learning and obtain knowledge and wisdom that result in growth and development is the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10).
Description of an Effective Teacher
An effective teacher is one who engages in teaching to make a difference in the lives of students by contributing to their growth and development. The teacher utilizes teaching strategies that enhance the student’s intellectual development across the various stages of development. This implies that an effective teacher applies the principles of cognitive development established by Jean Piaget in different stages of mental development. Throughout his teaching, an effective teacher demonstrates the love of Christ based on an understanding of the unique abilities and freedoms of the student (Van Brummelen, 2009). Therefore, the teachers ultimate goal is to promote the student’s learning, growth and development by helping him/her to develop a Biblical worldview since God created us for a purpose as shown in Jeremiah 1:5. Additionally, an effective teacher is one who balances between being compassionate and caring and planning effectively while working with his/her colleagues and school administrators.
Description of an Effective Learning Environment
The nature of the learning environment plays a critical role in shaping how students obtain, process, and remember knowledge and skills obtained in the classroom. Since the goal of teaching is to promote learning, teachers are faced with the need to establish effective learning environments that promote student growth and development. The need to establish an effective learning environment is shown in Lev Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory, which proposes that social interaction plays an important role in cognitive development. This implies that an effective learning environment is one that promotes suitable social interactions between teachers and students as well as among students themselves. Slavin (2015) suggests that social interactions determine students’ motivation levels since child development is affected by social and institutional factors.
An effective learning environment is one that establishes supportive learning communities for students by making them feel accepted/valued and allow them to contribute to the learning process (Van Brummelen, 2009). In such environments, direct instruction and technology is used to promote students’ understanding of their uniqueness, which in turn becomes the premise for their growth and development. As Van Brummelen (2009) suggests, teaching strategies and practices employed by teachers emphasize on helping students realize they have a special mandate or assignment from God. Therefore, student motivation and classroom management styles are based on the learning needs and styles of individual students in the classroom. The teacher adopts learning strategies and styles that are centered on the needs, abilities, styles and uniqueness of individual students since everyone is unique as shown in Psalm 139:14.
Actively Including and Engaging Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities
Psalm 139:14 (New International Version) states that “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”, which implies that every individual is unique and has different abilities. Teachers need to approach the learning environment with the understanding that each student is unique and has different needs and abilities. In light of changes in the modern society, the classroom comprises students with diverse needs and exceptionalities. Teachers needs to find measures to actively include and engage students with diverse needs and exceptionalities in order to promote their growth and development. This requires adopting student-centered teaching approaches, which reflect an understanding of each individual’s uniqueness as shown in Psalm 139:14.
Web-based educational technology is combined with the learning abilities of individual students within and outside the classroom to actively include and engage these learners. This helps to provide individualized instruction to these learners, which in turn enhance their understanding of learning content and generates better outcomes. Web-based educational technology is used as part of differentiated instruction to promote collaboration, interaction and increased autonomy (Ford, 2016).
Addressing Behavior and Character Development
Learning occurs in a social context, which implies that social interactions are critical in the learning process. Given the social context of learning, an individual’s behavior and character development is influenced by his/her social interactions. An important component of promoting the holistic development of children or students is addressing behavior and character development. In this regard, the principles of conditioning and reinforcement in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory are essential in addressing behavior and character development. Using this customized theory of learning and development, behavior and character development will be addressed through modeling. Modeling will be used as a conditioning process through which students learn both theoretically and practically on desired behaviors. This will involve teaching right from wrong and practicing apt behavior (Wilhelm & Firmin, 2008). Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) states “Train up a child in the way he should go: an when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Engaging Students in Learning, Building Self-Efficacy and Motivation
Van Brummelen (2009) states that educational programs must provide endless opportunities for students to practice their faith, kindness, service and outreach. This requires establishing measures for engaging students in learning, developing self-efficacy and motivation. A Christian worldview provides a suitable framework for achieving this since it enables students to understand themselves better as God sees them. The process of engaging students in learning, developing self-efficacy and motivation will involve adapting the learning environment to students’ needs as the society changes and develops. Lemley, Schumacker & Vesey (2014) states that it is important to adapt the learning environment to students needs in order to reach 21st Century students and promote their learning, growth and development. A Christian curriculum, philosophy, and teaching methodology will be utilized as the premise for teaching and learning.
Personal Reflection/Conclusion
The development of a customized learning theory is essential in the modern education environment since the actions of teachers and other engaged in the education process is shaped by theory. Modern teaching and learning requires adopting a student-centered approach since students have different personalities and different learning styles. From a Christian perspective, the ultimate goal of teaching and learning is to become committed to God’s ways and serve Him through serving others. My customized theory of human learning and development involves combining a Christian curriculum, philosophy and methodology. In addition, this theory incorporates the use of differentiated instruction based on the needs and abilities of individual students. Educational technology and students learning abilities is also incorporated in this theory for learning within and outside the classroom setting.
References
Ford, A. (2016, January). Planning Classroom Design and Layout to Increase Pedagogical Options for Secondary Teachers. Educational Planning, 23(1), 25-33.
Lemley, J.B., Schumacker, G. & Vesey, W. (2014). What Learning Environments Best Address 21st Century Students’ Perceived Needs at the Secondary Level of Instruction? NASSP Bulletin, 98(2), 101-125.
Schunk, D.H. (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Slavin, R.E. (2015). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (11th ed.). Boston MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with God in the classroom: Christian approaches to teaching and learning (3rd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications.
Wilhelm, G.M. & Firmin, M.W. (2008). Character Education: Christian Education Perspectives. Journal of Research on Christian Education, 17(2), 182-198.