1. What I intend to do

In this assignment I will aim to discuss the factors which can affect learning for a student. Incorporated in this I will discuss theories of ‘learning styles’, comparing and contrasting them and try to identify aspects which can impact upon my practice. I will analyse my own teaching style and that of others to see how the theories can be applied and also assess my own success in meeting the needs of the students.

1.1 Why?

The information provided in this assignment will allow me a better understanding of the variety of ways a student can learn. This will impact on my future as it will allow me to become a more successful classroom practitioner and allow me to recognise and cater for a variety of styles in
This theory can be explained without reference to consciousness or ones internal mental state.
I have seen this theory in action through lesson observations, for example the Head of Science. The teacher has clear routines in the lesson, along with positive reinforcement, rewards system, praise and a firm but fair view on behaviour. The method works very well for the teacher in question as the classes are engaged, enthused and make progress in lesson. (http://www.learning-theories.com)
4.2 Cognitivism learning theory
Cognitivism involves recall or recognition of key facts, it effectively views the mind as an information processor. It places emphasis of the role of prior knowledge and being able to convert information from short term memory to long term memory. This theory counteracts that of behaviourism by saying that the human mind is not pre-programmed to respond only to external stimuli and that it requires ‘active participation in order to learn’ The cognitivism theory views the brains learning as such:
Information→Processing→Outcome
I have observed this style in a humanities lesson on the Olympics, key ideas were constantly referred to and displayed on handouts, students were encouraged to link the information they were given to experiences they had had and link into different scenarios to allow the students to recognise and understand the key ideas of the lesson. This is probably the theory I use most, I try to engage students by