Katie Abraham

Internship for Teaching and Learning

Spring 2016
Assignment #4
Learning Theories

1. Multiple Intelligences
In the 1980s Howard Gardner proposed that there were many ways in which
people learn best. Gardner also believed that everyone has a dominant or
strong learning style in which they learn best, but also believed that every
person has two or three intelligences and those intelligences are constantly
interacting with each other. He also noted children do not learn at the same
rate or the same way.
The eight different intelligences Gardner proposed are:

Verbal-Linguistic Good with words

Logical-Mathematical Good with numbers
Visual-Spatial Good with pictures
Musical-Rhythmic Good with rhythm and music
Bodily-Kinesthetic Good with movement
Interpersonal Good with communication
Intrapersonal Good at analyzing
Naturalist Good with the environment

Impacted Teaching
Gardners theory has impacted teaching in the way that information is
presented and the way students practice. Its important for teachers to
incorporate a variety of learning styles throughout a lesson and throughout
the school day. Students also need a variety of ways in which they are able
to show their understanding. By acknowledging the different intelligences,
students find meaning and purpose in their learning.

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

Influenced My Teaching Practice

One way Gardners theory has influenced my teaching practice is by the way
I assess students. I may use ActivExpressions which are hand held devices
each student has and the answers are sent to my computer, posters, essays,
quick exit slips, or speeches. Students may have to convert an idea or topic
into a song and perform for their peers. I do allow for different assessments
to occur if need be. For example, if I know a student is not a strong writer,
but knows the information, I do allow for students to verbally tell me what
their answers would be.
Another way Gardners theory influences my teaching practice is by the way
information is presented. For example, when learning about a new topic in
science or social studies, I try to switch the ways it is presented. Students
may be responsible for presenting the information or it might be myself. If
students are in charge of presenting the information, they are required to
become experts by reading information and maybe researching for more
information. The way students present can be in a variety of ways as well.
They could give speeches, make PowerPoints, or make up a song are some
examples.
2. Constructivism
Constructivism theory is a theory in which children make sense of their
understandings directly from their life experiences and working with others

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

(Auger, Langford, & Rich 2007). The constructivism theory states that
children do not receive information from someone else, they receive it by
constructing what they already know. Children gain information from hands
on materials and exploring. The interactions with their peers is also
important in this learning process. Reflection and the ability to communicate
their thinking is vital as well. Jerome Brunner, one of the major researchers in
this theory, said some basic principles for constructivism are that instruction
should focus on experiences that prepare and motivate students for learning,
instruction should be structured so students can understand easily, but
should also be a challenge to go beyond the information that is given (Auger,
Langford, & Rich 2007).
Impacted Teaching
The constructivism theory has impacted teaching by creating a responsibility
in the learner for their own learning. The childrens understanding is
dependent on their environment and the accumulation of knowledge from
their own experiences (Auger, Langford, & Rich 2007). Brunner s research
also indicates that spiral curriculum is important because students will be
exposed and re-exposed to material and when theyre re-exposed they can
build upon what they already know.
Influenced My Teaching Practice

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

South Dakota Math Counts is a program Im currently enrolled in. Through

Math Counts Ive learned a great deal about constructivism. An example of
this is when students are faced with a story problem. There is a great deal of
conversation within my classroom. The first step students have to take is to
make sense of the problem and to do so the students talk to one another
about what they know about the problem and what is being asked of them to
do. After students attempt to solve on their own, they get together with their
peers to reflect on their answer and if it makes sense. We do come together
as a whole group for another reflection time to help those who may still have
some trouble understanding.
Another example constructivism in my classroom is during a science
experiment. Students build or model what is being asked and based on if the
experiment works or not, questions that follow have students using their
knowledge as to why or why the experiment went the way it did. In these
moments I can tell if students understand or not because theyre able to
communicate their thinking. Often times I get those light bulb moments
which indicates students understanding.

Instructional Models
1. Independent

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

The independent instructional model fosters the development of individual

student initiative, self-reliance, and self-improvement (Keesee, 2014).
Independent study can also consist of work with a partner or in a small
group. The teacher needs to be certain that all students have the skills and
tools in order to be successful. The advantages to independent instruction
are that students are able to work on their own therefore the work they
accomplish become that more meaningful to them. Theyre able to obtain
the knowledge because they did the work on their own or were in a small
group.
Impacted Teaching
Independent instruction has impacted teaching by allowing learners to take
more of the responsibly of learning on themselves. In years prior, direct
instruction was more of the norm, the introduction, development, guided
practice, closure, independent practice, and evaluation, and now students
take on more of the responsibility because they dont necessarily receive the
guided practice and closure. Its up to them to make sense of the lesson and
practice.
Another way it has impacted teaching is there is more of a reflection on the
teaching. Teachers need to make certain all of the material was covered in
the lessons so students have the understanding in order to move forward.
Influenced My Teaching Practice

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

Over the course of my teaching career, my direct instruction has taken a

back seat while I allow for more independent and interactive learning to take
place. What I enjoy about independent instruction is that students are able to
take their learning to a whole different level with little instruction and a lot of
motivation. Students take responsibility for their learning which in some
cases pushes them to do above and beyond what they thought they were
capable. An example of this is the assignment of researching an animal on
the endangered species list. Students are given a few requirements for their
project such as some information I would like them to include and using a
Prezi to give a speech in front of the class and students take that to the level
theyre challenged with. Some reports have the required basics, but others
go above and beyond with information not required.
2. Interactive Instruction
Interactive instruction is a model in which students rely on discussion from
their peers and helps develop social skills at the same time. Students are
encouraged to take part in discussions by offering their own thoughts.
Interactive instruction helps students develop patience, cooperation,
compassion, and understanding of different opinions (Keesee, 2014).
Impacted Teaching
One way interactive instruction has impacted teaching is that lessons on the
subject matter isnt the only thing being taught. Social skills are being taught

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

at the same time due to the conversations that are taking place. Students
are required to justify why they have the correct answer which makes them
make sense of whats being asked.
Another way interactive instruction has impacted teaching is that the
teacher isnt the only person in the room giving feedback. Students are
required to listen to the peers and offer feedback. Interactive instruction
involves learning of all of the students at the same time. Theyre either
listening to their peers or providing their reasoning.
Influenced on My Teaching
Again, the South Dakota Math Counts program has had a large impact on my
teaching thus far in the program. This program requires teachers to get
students to think about their mathematical skills and why it does or doesnt
make sense. When students reason or justify their answers, their peers are
learning to listen and provide constructive feedback. Students learn from one
anothers feedback.
Student Motivation
1. Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow developed a theory known as Maslows Theory of Human
needs which includes physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs. The
physical needs include food, water, clothing, and shelter. The second through

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

the fourth level of needs are security, love and acceptance, and esteem. The
last level is self-actualization. He states that a person cannot meet the higher
level of needs until meeting the basic needs (Kato, 2014).
The physical needs of having food, water, clothing, and a safe place to call
home are the first needs to be met. Getting plenty of rest is also important.
These needs are not only important for children, but theyre just as important
for adults who care for the children. Once these basic needs are met, the
other needs can be focused on.
All children need to feel safe in order to learn and grow. This need is
important for adults as well for the positive well-being it brings. The adults in
a childs life need to protect the child from harmful people, objects, and
situations. Stability is a sense of security and comfort. When too many
people are coming in and out of a childs life it causes a sense of insecurity.
Other changes in an adults life playing a role of insecurity in children are
frequent job change and changes in schedules.
Everyone needs to feel loved. This positive interaction starts early in life
when one cuddles with a baby. Developing an encouraging and supportive
relationship with family and friends can fulfill a persons need for love and
acceptance.

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

The feelings of being respected, valued, and worthy are important for
everyone. Being positive and praising children are important for childrens
self-esteem.
When all of the other needs are met, self-actualization can be met. This is
when one can fully realize their full potential. This is a lifelong process and
one continually works on this as long as all of the other needs are being met.
Impacted Teaching
Maslow said that a person cannot meet the higher level of needs until
meeting the basic needs (Kato, 2014) which means sometimes schools and
teachers must provide some needs in order for students to reach their full
potential.
Many schools offer a Free and Reduced Lunch and Breakfast program. The
Free and Reduce Lunch Program is based off income. If caregivers are unable
to pay the full amount of a lunch bill, then they are offered a discount if not a
free meal for their children. This ensures students will receive at least one if
not two nutritious meals each school day.
Another program offered in many schools districts is the Backpack Program.
This program is an offer from the community, but students who attend school
benefit from this program. Parents can sign students up for this program.
Anyone can participate because it is not based on income. Students who
participate are sent home at the end of the school week with a grocery sack

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

filled with fresh fruit and different starter meals to guarantee students are
able to eat while theyre not at school.
Influenced on My Teaching
On a daily basis I offer students a snack time in the classroom. There are
many times I have students who are unable to bring their own snack
therefore I have a community supply in which everyone is welcome to. I
usually bring pretzels, crackers, or granola bars two to three times a month.
Providing this snack helps students control their hunger. The students school
day begins at eight in the morning and their lunch isnt until noon. This is a
long time for students to go without eating especially if they didnt eat
breakfast before coming to school. Having ate something helps students
concentrate on what theyre learning about rather than a hungry stomach.
Another way Maslows theory has impacted my teaching is by offering a
week to focus on one student each week. Students know when they are
Student of the Week and they are able to share about themselves to feel
special and loved. Students are able to help out in the classroom, lead the
line, bring pictures of themselves, share some of their proudest moments,
and have a guest come to lunch and I take a picture of them and post the
picture in the classroom are some of the ways I show students that I want to
get to know more about them and whats important to them.
2. Cognitive Dissonance

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

Cognitive dissonance is the uncomfortable feeling when two conflicting

thoughts enter the mind at the same time. This increases when the matter is
important, how strong the thoughts conflict, and the inability to rationalize
the conflict. Dissonance is strong when the belief about ones self goes
against what was previously thought. This is a powerful motivator which
leads to a changed behavior. In order for the conflict to disappear one must
change the behavior, justify the behavior by changing the thoughts, or justify
the behavior by adding new thoughts.
Impacted Teaching
Cognitive dissonance is a daily occurrence for most individuals. Decision
making is a party of our everyday lives. The choice between doing what is
right and doing what is wrong, completing work or not completing work, and
the way peers are treated are some of the daily decisions my students face.
Students are constantly having cognitive dissonance academically and
behaviorally.
Influenced on My Teaching
One way cognitive dissonance influences my teaching is by having students
talk about their actions. In my classroom celebrate moments in which the
right choices are made and talk about how we feel at the moment. Students
learn about the positive feeling when making the right choices even when it
may be hard. In situations when the other choice is made, I make a point to

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

talk to students individually about their feelings and why they may have
made the choice they did. I believe having students talk about their choices
helps them think about their actions prior to making the choice to go forward
next time.

Katie Abraham
Internship for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2016
Assignment #4

Sources:
Auger, W. E., Langford, H., & Rich, S. (2007). Curriculum theory and methods:
Perspectives on learning and teaching. Mississauga, Ont.: J. Wiley & Sons
Canada.
Cognitive Dissonance. (2002). Retrieved March 13, 2016, from
http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/cognitive_dissonance.htm
Kato, S. L. (2014). Lifespan development. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Wilcox
Company.
Keesee, G. S. (2014, August). Instructional Approaches. Retrieved March 13,
2016, from
http://teachinglearningresources.pbworks.com/w/page/19919560/Instruction
al Approaches