Understanding Educational Theories and Effective Teaching Methods
Understanding Educational Theories
Theories Explaining Low Achievement
Deficit Explanations:
These theories suggest that students struggle in school due to a lack of preparation in their home environment.Structural Explanations:
These theories focus on how students process information and make sense of their experiences.Reproduction Theory and Resistance Theory
These theories explore the role of social and economic factors in educational outcomes.
Theories Explaining High Achievement
Asset Explanations:
These theories emphasize the resources and strengths that contribute to student success.Structural Explanations:
These theories examine the impact of social structures and institutions on student achievement.Social Capital and Social Embeddedness Theory
These theories highlight the importance of social networks and relationships in supporting student success.Role-Identity Theory
This theory explores how holding specific social positions can influence student achievement.
Nelson’s Theory of Why Afterschool Matters
This theory identifies three key factors that influence the impact of afterschool programs on students:
- Auxiliary: A student-friendly environment
- Distinguishable: Unique and engaging activities
- Transformative: Opportunities for personal growth and development
Benefits of Afterschool Programs
- Improved knowledge and skills
- Enhanced social skills
- Increased confidence
- Reduced risk behavior
- More enjoyable learning experiences
Key Concepts
Approaches to Community Engaged Learning/Teaching (CEL) and Service Learning (SL)
CEL and SL involve students in addressing community needs while integrating learning objectives. Key approaches include:
- Engagement with societal needs identified by the community
- Collaboration with community partners to co-create learning objectives
- Student preparation and ongoing reflection
Charity vs. Social Change
Charity involves giving help to those in need, while social change focuses on transforming human interactions through actions like community organizing and social entrepreneurship.
Socioeconomic Status and Its Impact
Socioeconomic status can significantly influence educational opportunities and outcomes.
Attitudes and Practices for Successful Tutoring Relationships
Developing an attitude of acceptance, showing enthusiasm, and feeling empathy are crucial for building positive tutoring experiences.
Components of Building Trust
- Competence
- Reliability
- Integrity
- Communication
Social Capital and Cultural Capital
Social capital refers to the benefits gained from social interactions, while cultural capital encompasses knowledge, behaviors, and skills that demonstrate cultural competence and social status.
Role-Identity
Role-identity is the character individuals assume when holding specific social positions.
Key Teaching Methods
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
UDL is an approach that provides all students with equal opportunities to succeed by offering flexibility in accessing, engaging with, and demonstrating knowledge.
Backwards Planning
Backwards planning involves starting with desired learning outcomes and then designing instruction and assessments to achieve those outcomes.
Stages of Backwards Planning
- Identifying desired results
- Determining evidence of learning
- Planning learning experiences and instruction
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical model that classifies learning objectives into levels of complexity, ranging from knowledge to evaluation.
Six Facets of Understanding
The Six Facets of Understanding is a non-hierarchical model that encompasses explanation, interpretation, application, perspective, empathy, and self-knowledge.
Teaching Techniques from Tutoring Matters
Effective tutoring techniques include:
- Engaging students’ interests
- Making learning visual and hands-on
- Encouraging friendly competition
- Providing support
These techniques and concepts provide a foundation for understanding educational theories and implementing effective teaching methods.