Breaking It Down and Climbing Back Up: Learning Theories and Approaches to Instruction

Abstract

Active learning, constructivism, socio-constructivism, critical pedagogy, critical constructivism - these learning theories are more than just buzzwords. They’re important instructional strategies that can play central roles in shaping and motivating learners, but are often misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misapplied. Rather than viewing theory and practice as discrete, mutually exclusive approaches to our roles as educators, this presentation will focus on elevating our teaching through praxis: the negotiation of theory into practice with a reflective component. Through a series of exercises and interactions facilitated by four experienced instruction librarians, this presentation will help you understand what these pedagogical practices mean and how (and why) you should be using them in your instruction.

Twitter Feedback

Thanks @nope4evr and friends for a thoughtful and challenging session on learning theories and approaches to instruction #liw16

— Kelly Durkin Ruth (@kellymdurk) June 10, 2016

#liw16 @dmcwo Students are ready, barriers are often institutional rather than personal.

— Lisa Hubbell (@lisahubbell) June 10, 2016

#liw16 @dmcwo Honor and validate the experience students bring with them, build on that.

— Lisa Hubbell (@lisahubbell) June 10, 2016

Students stop by the library for 5 mins to do their research, what to do? Interesting answers from @dmcwo @juliaglassman @nope4evr #liw16

— Becky Thoms (@blthoms) June 10, 2016

Activity: Take a scenario, interpret with constructivism, then interpret with critical pedagogy. #liw16

— Sarah E. North (@booksnbroadway) June 10, 2016

Critical pedagogy - looking for deeper causes and contexts #liw16

— Michael Aldrich (@maldrich) June 10, 2016

Critical pedagogy- understanding why things are the way they are so we can change them #liw16

— Molly Montgomery (@MedLibMolly) June 10, 2016

A definition I can get behind. #liw16 pic.twitter.com/yHDJx8hKS0

— Sarah E. North (@booksnbroadway) June 10, 2016

What are some barriers to memorable, meaningful, transformative learning in higher ed? For me, no attempt at personal connection. #liw16

— Sarah E. North (@booksnbroadway) June 10, 2016

Think, pair, share- a basic social constructivist activity #liw16

— Molly Montgomery (@MedLibMolly) June 10, 2016

Constructivism - We learn when we build knowledge with our concepts and experience #liw16

— Michael Aldrich (@maldrich) June 10, 2016

Social constructivism focuses on being meaningful. Great point. #liw16

— Lauren Hays (@Lib_Lauren) June 10, 2016