SYLLABUS FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING

Course VII: Learning and Teaching

Objectives

• To be aware of the process of learning and information processing.
• To gain an understanding of different theoretical perspectives on learning.
• To reflect on their own understanding of the nature and types of learning.
• To explore the possibilities of designing learning environments and experiences at school.
• To appreciate the role of learner differences and social contexts in making learning meaningful.

Unit 1: Process of Learning

• Concept of learning, types of learning, and factors influencing learning.
• Learning process: Attention, sensation, perception, and concept formation.
• Memory and forgetting: Concept, types of memory, and its applicability to learning.
• Transfer of learning: Concepts, types (horizontal and vertical).
• Role of motivation in learning and methods to improve motivation.

Unit 2: Behaviorist Perspectives of Learning

• Thorndike's trial and error, laws of learning, and classroom applications.
• Pavlov's classical conditioning: Concepts, principles, and classroom implications.
• Skinner’s operant conditioning: Concepts and classroom implications.
• Comparison of these perspectives for classroom learning.

Unit 3: Cognitive and Humanist Perspectives of Learning

• Cognitive perspectives: Insight learning (Kohler), discovery learning (Bruner), developmental theory of learning (Piaget), social learning (Bandura), and social constructivism (Vygotsky).
• Humanist perspectives: Learner-centered approaches (Rogers).

Unit 4: Teaching Process

• Concept of teaching, teaching as a profession, and teaching as an art and science.
• Distinction between instruction, training, and teaching.
• Phases of teaching: Planning, execution, and reflection.
• Role of the teacher: As a model, facilitator, co-learner, reflective practitioner, and classroom researcher.
• Functions of a teacher in the classroom, school, and community.

Unit 5: Learning Environment and Learning Engagement

• Meaning of learning environment and learning engagement.
• Creating positive and productive environments for learning.
• Development of emotional intelligence.
• The role of culture in education: Creating culturally responsive learning environments.
• Assisted performance, supervised discussion, and reciprocal teaching strategies to enhance learning.