M4 Activities
M4: Applying Theories in Context
- Alignments: 1d, 5m, 5s, 7i
- Description: Synchronous or asynchronous discussion. Students will be divided into groups, each assigned a learning theory, to create and present an approach to a classroom scenario based on their theory, followed by a class discussion on the pros and cons of each approach, with all insights captured in a shared document for future reference.
- M4 Applying Theories in Context
M4: Be A Theorist
- Alignments: 1d, 2g, 5m, 5s, 7i
- Description: Synchronous role play. Students will role-play as famous educational theorists in a contemporary setting, such as a Starbucks café, to discuss and debate their respective learning theories, applying them to modern education and capturing the conversation in a shared document for future reference.
- M4 Be A Theorist
M4: KWL Discussion
- Alignments: 2g, 7i
- Description: Asynchronous discussion or reflection. Students will critically engage with course material by tracking preconceptions, new learnings, and questions.
M4: Understanding Learning Theories
- Alignments: 1d, 2g, 5m, 7i
- Description: Synchronous group discussion. This activity deepens students’ understanding of key learning theories by applying them to real-world educational settings through group discussions and presentations, enabling students to analyze the strengths and limitations of the theories and reflect on their impact on teaching and learning.
- M4 Understanding Learning Theories
Knowledge. The teacher understands how learning occurs-- how learners construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop disciplined thinking processes--and knows how to use instructional strategies that promote student learning.
Knowledge. The teacher understands critical thinking processes and knows how to help learners develop high level questioning skills to promote their independent learning.
Disposition. The teacher values flexible learning environments that encourage learner exploration, discovery, and expression across content areas.
Knowledge. The teacher understands learning theory, human development, cultural diversity, and individual differences and how these impact ongoing planning.
Knowledge. The teacher understands and identifies differences in approaches to learning and performance and knows how to design instruction that uses each learner’s strengths to promote growth.
