EDU 3205 (LUOA), EDUC 205 (LUO): Learning Theory and Portfolio Development

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 05/11/2026

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to learning theories with an emphasis on experiential learning and learner profiles, including management and communication profiles. *Please note, this course is not part of a program leading to eligibility of a Virginia state teaching license (or license in any other state). Individuals seeking to obtain a state teaching license should contact soelicensure@liberty.edu for recommended course options.

Rationale

Many different learning theories have been formulated over the last two centuries, having great implications in the world of education. Today, teachers are expected to differentiate and personalize instruction to meet the varying needs of all types of learners; therefore, an understanding of human learning is essential for all educators. Additionally, by establishing a practice portfolio at the beginning of the education program, it will become evident what experiences must be further developed; thus providing the opportunity to intentionally bolster the resume and teaching portfolio.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for the Discussion in this course. The thread must be a minimum of 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. The thread must contain 2 citations in current APA format. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be a minimum of 150 words and contain at least 1 citation in current APA format. (CLO: C, E, F)

Practice Portfolio Project Assignments (3)

Cover Letter Assignment

The candidate will prepare a one-page cover letter to submit to the instructor for feedback. This must also be uploaded as an artifact to the Practice Portfolio in Microsoft Sway. (CLO: A)

Resumé Assignment

The candidate will prepare a 1–3-page resumé to submit to the instructor for feedback. This must also be uploaded as an artifact to the Practice Portfolio in Microsoft Sway. (CLO: A)

Update and Share Assignment

The candidate will establish a practice digital portfolio using Microsoft Sway and submit as a hyperlink to Canvas to begin the process of storing essential artifacts such as photographs, resume, and cover letter. (CLO: A)

Teacher Interview: Classroom Management Assignment

For this assignment, the candidate will interview a current or former teacher to learn what type of methods they utilize for classroom management. The candidate will then identify the type of strategy that is exemplified in the teacher’s methods and provide a 3 sentence reflection from a Christian perspective. (CLO: C, D, E, F)

Video Reflection Assignments (2)

The candidate will view a video that features the application of a learning theory in a real-life classroom. After viewing, the candidate will analyze and apply the learning theory by responding to 1-2 prompts on the provided template; each at least 3 sentences in length with at least one citation from the course textbook. (CLO: D, E, F)

Engaging and Maintaining Student Focus Infographic Assignment

The candidate will create an infographic describing 3 Cognitive Learning Theory Strategies that can engage and maintain student focus. The infographic must include a title, at least 3 strategies with at least 1 image per strategy, and properly cite the course textbook in current APA format. Creativity is encouraged. (CLO: B, F)

Presentation: Promoting Effective Study Strategies Assignment

For this assignment, the candidate will use Microsoft Sway or PowerPoint to create a narrated presentation of at least 10 slides/cards to promote effective research-based study strategies. The presentation must contain at least 10 slides/cards, with 1 slide/card describing the candidate’s preferred study strategy, and give at least 5 examples of study strategies discussed in the course text. (CLO: B, E, G)

Learning Theory in Practice: Differentiated Activity Design

For this assignment, the candidate will choose one learning theory and use the course text and Microsoft Copilot to design a differentiated learning activity tailored to a specific audience. The activity must include a description of the target learners, an explanation of the activity, a learning goal, and clear strategies for differentiating instruction for diverse needs. Additionally, teacher candidates will submit a Word document containing two Copilot‑assisted but human‑revised introduction paragraphs explaining the chosen theory and the meaning of differentiated instruction, as well as two original reflection paragraphs discussing how the learning activity supports different learners and how scripture aligns with the instructional choices, followed by APA‑formatted references. (CLO: A, C, E, F)

Personal Reflection: A Positive Classroom Assignment

After studying the required reading, the candidate will reflect on their own experience as a student and the positive or negative effects of classroom environment, and write a 1 paragraph reflection of their experience. (CLO: G)

Quiz: Practice Portfolio Project: Initial Setup Confirmation

After establishing a Practice Portfolio using Microsoft Sway, the candidate will confirm the creation of this portfolio by taking a brief quiz. (CLO: A)

Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the Textbook material for the assigned module: week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 20 multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour time limit. The candidate is allowed 2 attempts to complete each quiz. The highest score will be recorded. (CLO: B, E, F)