Learning Theory and Portfolio Development – EDUC 205

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

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.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

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.

Discussions (2)

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

Discussion: Learning Theories Presentation

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will create and share a presentation on the learning theory with which they most identify by selecting one of the following options:

  1. Create a 3–5-minute Adobe Spark presentation.
  2. Create a narrated PowerPoint presentation with at least 15 slides.
  3. Create a narrated Microsoft Sway presentation with at least 15 cards.

The presentation must include the theory’s key contributor(s), a description of the theory, and how the theory can be integrated into classroom activities. The candidate will post the presentation in the Discussion: Learning Theories Presentation assignment. The candidate is then required to reply to two classmates’ presentations. Each reply must be a minimum of 150 words. (CLO: B, E, F)

Video Case Study Assignments (4)

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; each at least three sentences in length. (CLO: D, 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)

Technology and Motivation Infographic Assignment

The candidate will create an infographic to promote the benefits of technology integration in early elementary aged classrooms. The infographic must include a title, at least three benefits, one citation, and at least one image. Creativity is encouraged.
(CLO: B, F)

Learning Theories Paper Assignment

The candidate will write a 5–7-page paper discussing the learning theory with which they most identify. The candidate will explain how lessons and activities in the classroom can be differentiated to incorporate the selected theory. At least five scholarly sources published within the last five years must be cited in current APA format. (CLO: B, C, E, F)

Improving Inquiry Skills Reflection Assignment

The candidate will reflect on tools that can be used to improve inquiry skills and learn from teaching. (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)