Learning Theories and Instructional Design Essay

This article discusses the principles of adult learning theory. More specifically, Kimbarow relates adult learning theory to effective methodologies that can be employed in treating patients with aphasia. For Kimbarow, the major principles of adult learning theory are the ability to recognize that adults are self-directed individuals and that it is essential for instruction to be prepared such that it is culturally and socially sensitive in meeting the needs of the learner. Kimbarow also discusses the life participation approach, or LPAA. The life participation approach emphasizes the role of the patients’ overall quality of life in the care that the patient receives. This complements the adult learning theory as it further emphasizes the impact that patient involvement has in the treatment and planning of activity programs. The study offered these recommendations: A patient will have a better quality of life if the patient plays an active role in the planning of their course of treatment and if the instruction meets their cultural and social needs. By recognizing and planning instruction in this manner, the instructor will be successful in preparing activities that meet the needs of the adult patient. Review: This is an interesting and current article for those who want to explore the premise of adult learning theory. However, the article is limiting in its discussion of adult learning theory as it relates only to aphasia patients. The article would be more effective if it contained further discussion into the effectiveness of adult learning theory to patients or students with other conditions or in other learning environments. Lee, D. , Belifore, P. , Budin, S. (2008). Riding the Wave. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40(3), 65-70. Summary: In their article, Lee, Belifore and Budin discuss the importance of differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students in the classroom begins with the planning process. The authors’ recognized that different teachers plan and deliver lesson plans in different ways. However, they recognize that the types of lesson plans utilized and implemented by classroom teachers can impact the way that the information in the lesson is disseminated to the students. The study offered these recommendations: According to the authors’, reducing student punishment should result in an increase in student accountability and responsibility. â€Å"High probability request sequences are positive interventions improve student compliance through increased student workload and the removal of negative consequences: (Lee, Belifore and Budin, 2008). It also creates an environment of problem solving, whereas students are accountable for their work no matter what. In doing this, the punishment for not turning in work does not result in a failed grade. Review: The article is an important tool for those individuals seeking an interesting perspective in the need for differentiating instruction. At the same time, the article offers an innovative perspective on the role of consequences in the education system. The recommendations made by the authors’ are best suited for the traditional classroom setting. Felder, R. M. , & Brent, R. (2005). Understanding student differences. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 57-72 Summary: In their article, Felder and Brent discuss the different learning styles that must be taken into consideration in the development of course curriculum and evaluation methods. As the authors’ describe, these various methods are used to assess student understanding of subject material. Felder and Brent point out that students in the classroom setting tend to be very diverse in culture and have different levels of motivation to learn. The study offered these recommendations: Because students have different attitudes towards their instructor as well as other students, instruction must be designed to respond to the different â€Å"attitudes about teaching and learning, and different response to specific classroom environments and instructional practices† (Felder & Brent, 2005). Due to this, the instructor should understand learning differences to facilitate, structure, and validate successful learning. Review: The study offers an important perspective as to the diverse needs of individuals in the classroom setting. The study would be more effective if it made specific recommendations as to instructional design modifications that can be used to reach out to students in the learning environment. The article encourages further reading and investigation into the subject that can only better the instructor in planning instructor to meet the needs of students.