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Learning Theories Simplified
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Learning Theories Simplified
...and how to apply them to teaching

Second Edition


January 2019 | 384 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Are you struggling to get your head around John Dewey’s educational pragmatism? What exactly is Jean Piaget saying about cognitive development? Maybe you’re running out of time and patience making sense of Carol Dweck’s mindsets? Have you reached breaking point reading Daniel T. Willingham on educational neuroscience? 

Written for busy teachers, trainers, managers and students, this 'dip-in, dip-out' guide makes theories of learning accessible and practical. It explores 130 classic and contemporary learning theorists in an easy-to-use, bite-sized format with clear relevant illustrations on how each theory will benefit teaching and learning.

Each model or theory is explained in less than 350 words, followed by a 'how to use it' section. 

What's new to this edition:

  • A new early childhood theorists section
  • A new communication theories section
  • Additional ‘on trend’ theorists throughout
  • New ‘critical view’ features added to each entry.
 
Part 1: Classical Learning Theories
 
Section 1.1: Educational Philosophy
 
Section 1.2: Behaviourism
 
Section 1.3: Cognitivism
 
Section 1.4: Humanism
 
Section 1.5: Neurolism
 
Part 2: Contemporary Thinking on Teaching and Learning
 
Section 2.1: Professionalism
 
Section 2.2: Learning Styles
 
Section 2.3: Motivation
 
Section 2.4: Behaviour Management
 
Section 2.5: Coaching and Mentoring
 
Section 2.6: Teamworking
 
Part 3: An Introduction to Early Childhood and Developmental Strategies
 
Section 3.1: Children and Society
 
Section 3.2: Emotional Growth
 
Section 3.3: Classroom Strategies
 
Section 3.4: Working with Children with Additional Needs
 
Section 3.5: Different School Approaches
 
Part 4: Planning, Delivering and Assessing Learning
 
Section 4.1: Curriculum Planning
 
Section 4.2: Lesson Planning
 
Section 4.3: Delivering Learning
 
Section 4.4: Assessment and Feedback
 
Section 4.5: Evaluating Teaching and Learning

Bob’s extensive knowledge of putting educational theory into practice shines through in this book. He gives clear explanations of each theory, often relating them to his own teaching experiences. He uses realistic examples to help the reader engage with the theory, with useful tips to put each into practice. I recommend this book to practitioners in the further education sector as well as in schools.

Ann Gravells

www.anngravells.com

Ann Gravells

A go to for all theories illustrating excellent pros and cons with the additional critical perspective in each section.

Ms Tish Cooney
Education, Sparsholt College Hampshire
January 19, 2024

Great for those new to teaching. Used in a higher eduation context this makes for easy reading and application to PGCE training.

Mr Dean Walker
School of Health & Social Care, Lincoln University
November 13, 2023

excellent book and resource material

Mr Peter Craig Bergelin
Accounting, Coleg Y Cymoedd (Ystrad Mynach)
October 19, 2022

An excellent supporting text to allow students access to a range of theories.

Dr peter shukie
Educational and Professional Studies, Blackburn College
April 19, 2022

It's a useful whistle stop tour of learning theory that wide in its scope, easily readable and directly relatable to practice.

Mr Daniel Whittaker
Education, Worcester University
March 15, 2021

very clear and informative

Mrs amanda Jane garside
Education, Newcastle-under-Lyme College
November 20, 2020

A really clear understanding of key theorists for students starting a degree

Mrs Suzanne Caroline Barham
Education Department, Boston College
March 5, 2020

Although good clear academic information as yet the book does not meet the course criteria.

Mrs Ellen Louise Lumgair
Business and Management, North Lindsey College
February 28, 2020

A good book which breaks down theory into more understandable wording

Mrs charlie Grieve
Adult Skills, North Lindsey College
October 18, 2019

Sample Materials & Chapters

Section 1.1 Educational Philosophy