Article Review
Learning and Instruction. Theory into Practice
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| From fp.pearsonhighered |
From : Gredler M. (2001). Learning and Instruction. Theory into Practice (2nd ed.). New York: Macmillan Publishing Compan
Margaret E. Gredler’s article deals with the theories of learning and analyzes seven theories which have taken part in the formation of educational system and influenced the learning process. The analyzed text, being a part of the book “Theory into Practice”, includes lots of detailed information and brief explanations of concepts.
The author begins her article from the description of the origins of learning process highlighting the birth of experimental investigations in psychology. Then she discusses three theories which emerged from the experimental investigations which are Pavlov’s classical conditioning, Thorndike’s instrumental conditioning and the Gestalt perspective.
In addition, she presents contemporary theories contributing specific variables to the learning process. Furthermore, the author presents other theories showing development of the learning process and demands to it up to the present system of education. However, each of the presented theories has developed a set of principles of the nature of learning and cognitive development.
Gredler’s article discusses various contemporary issues on universal education. She presents the broadest three issues which are of great importance for the future; they are the role of technology in learning, the learner’s concept of self and the influence of the culture of the learner.
The first important issue, the role of technology, is shown on the review of the works of Skinner and Gagne. In order to illustrate their ideas, Margaret E. Gredler gives example of using microcomputer by children. The author highlights the results of the experimental investigation and sums up that technology is to be restricted in early years. The reason of such conclusion is that there is no interpersonal interaction for children using technology. All in all, technology should be an assistant in the learning process, but not the deliverer of instructions.
The issue of the learner’s
concept of self is discussed on the ground of the works of Bandura and Weiner.
Self- efficacy and self-esteem are the notions introduced to support the
concept and to illustrate the acquisition of skills in the process of learning.
Along with the concept of self, there is an important related to the previous
concept of culture affects. This is another important issue discussed in the
article. The description of the influence of the culture is based on Skinner’s differentiation
of cultures in time space.
According to the scientists the surrounding culture
influences child’s mental functions. This idea is supported by examples and
vivid illustrations which help the reader to believe the presented concept.
Special attention is paid at Vygotsky’s researches devoted to cultural heritage
and social interactions of children.
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