EDLC 504 Educational Philosophy and Theories of Learning

A comprehensive survey of the philosophical development of education and the teaching learning process. Topics include learning theory, human development, and teaching methodology. Emphasis is placed upon analysis of religious and public educational trends. Candidates will be required to formulate a personal, Christian worldview philosophy.

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

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


The purpose of this course is to expand the candidate’s awareness of how his or hers own personal beliefs about education compare to those in the knowledge base of the field. When an educator has an understanding of educational philosophy, advanced learning theories, and current research, he or she is better prepared to apply the most appropriate and effective theories and approaches in various educational settings, which increases the academic and behavioral success of the educator’s learners.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

(CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 300 words (minimum), demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include at least 2 sources. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 100 words (minimum). The candidate must cite any references in current APA format. (CLO: E, G, H)

Philosophy Matrices Assignments (3)

Using the template provided in Canvas, the candidate will define the philosophies that will be discussed in this course. These assignments will give the candidate the opportunity to organize the essential components of each of these major educational philosophies and to compare these components against one another. (CLO: D)

Vocabulary Chart Assignment

Using the provided template, the candidate will define the terms and concepts that will be discussed in this course. (CLO: C, D)

Educational Thinker Presentation Assignment

The candidate will research the educational ideas and educational influences of the chosen thinker and create a five-minute presentation and a one-page handout reflecting this information. The handout must include 3 sources cited in current APA format. See the provided rubric in Canvas for more on how the presentation and handout will be graded. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Biblical Worldview Paper Assignment

This 4-page paper is to convey an understanding of a biblical worldview and the implications of such on the field of education. The paper must follow current APA format, include at least 4 references (1 of which is the course textbook), and follow the instructions provided. (CLO: A, C, D)

Dispositions Assignment

For each disposition, the candidate will write 2 sentences. (There are 5 dispositions, for a total of 10 sentences in the assignment.) The first sentence will describe the disposition that the candidate displayed in this course. The second sentence will describe how the candidate has exhibited this disposition in other settings outside of the course, such as church, community, family, or work. (CLO: C)

Video Reflection Assignment

The candidate will view a teaching video and describe the effectiveness of teaching strategies used in the lesson. The candidate will write at least 100 words to describe and explain each strategy and will write at least 100 words in response to 2 questions. At least one in-text citation should be used to support the description of each strategy and at least one citation should be used to support the response to one of the questions. The paper will be written in current APA format and include a title and reference page. (CLO: E, F, H)

Moral Development Theories Assignment

The candidate will write a paper that describes several theories of moral development and how those theories align with a biblical worldview. The candidate will write a 1500-word paper that must include citations from the textbook and at least two additional, scholarly resources. The paper will be written in current APA format and include a title and reference page (CLO: E, F, H)

Learning Theory Assignment

The candidate will create a customized learning theory for a specific student. The learning theory will cover effective teaching, appropriate learning environments, and biblical support. The candidate will write a 2,500-word paper (minimum) that presents the customized learning theory. The paper must include citations from at least 4 scholarly sources, in addition to both course textbooks. The paper will be written in current APA format and include a title and reference page. (CLO: E, F, G, H) 

This quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 2 either/or questions, and will have no time limit.

Quiz: Philosophy Survey

The candidate will complete an online philosophy survey using the provided link. The candidate will then paste the results into a Word document and upload the document in the quiz. This quiz will contain 1 file upload question, and will have no time limit. (CLO: A)

The candidate will complete six interactive scenarios. After viewing each scenario, the candidate will generate his or her Feedback Report from the simulation and then complete a five-question, multiple-choice quiz. The candidate will also be prompted to upload and submit his or her Feedback Report for the simulation. Each quiz will have no time limit. (CLO: F)


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