EDUC 701 Advanced Learning Theory and Research

Current findings and research in learning theory are examined, including research about classroom management, learning, motivation, diversity, exceptionalities, assessment, and teaching. Discussion, analysis of cases, examination of personal experiences in schools, cooperative projects, and other activities will also be included.

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

Course Guide

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In order to become an effective educational leader in a diversified society, the candidate must be able to understand current theories and research in the field of educational learning theory. This exploration will include an emphasis on child development, learning, teaching strategies, assessment, diversity, exceptionalities, motivation, at-risk students, and classroom management.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

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 will participate in two Discussions. Each discussion will be completed in two parts: at least 400 words addressing the provided prompt and 2 replies at least 200 words each to other classmates’ threads. All writing must follow current APA format, including in-text citations and references. (CLO: A, E)

Course Project Assignments (6)

Develop a Topic Assignment

The candidate will identify a problem in education that is significant to teaching and learning. The candidate will then write a 750–1000 word paper on the problem explaining what the problem is, what led to the problem, the importance of the problem, steps that have been taken to address the problem, and a biblical worldview perspective. (CLO: B, C, D, E)

Create an Outline Assignment

The candidate will create a research plan outline of their proposed Course Project: Final Paper Assignment. The outline will be a starting point to plan the information that will be included in the final paper. The outline should include the main sections that the student will be covering in the paper and ideas as to what they will include in each section. (CLO: F)

Annotated Bibliography Assignments (2)

The candidate will create an annotated bibliography that will serve as the research foundation of the final paper. The annotated bibliography will be written in current APA format and include at least 7 – 8 scholarly sources that address the problem identified. Each source citation must be followed by a minimum 150 word annotation. (CLO: F)

Final Paper Draft Assignment

The candidate will create a draft of the final paper following the instructions for the Course Project: Final Paper Assignment. The draft will be submitted through Turnitin to enable the candidate to ensure all references are properly cited. Additionally, the candidate will receive instructor feedback on the draft that they can incorporate in the final paper. (CLO: B, C, D, E, F)

Final Paper Assignment

The candidate will write a 3,000–3,500-word paper in current APA format building upon the Problem, Outline, and the Annotated Bibliography. The paper must include a minimum of 15 scholarly sources, 10 of which must be current (within the past 5 years), that must be empirical, peer-reviewed journal articles or information from published scholarly books. The candidate must synthesize all of the research into a well-blended paper that clearly addresses the problem, provides insight into best practices/strategies to address the problem, improve the learning environment, and improve student achievement and motivation. The final paper will be submitted to Canvas. (CLO: B, C, D, E, F)

Quiz: APA

There will be a 25-question current APA Manual quiz for the candidate to complete after they have reviewed the manual readings. The quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice, true/false, and multiple answer questions, and have a 2-hour time limit. (CLO: F)

Quizzes (5)

There will be a quiz for the candidate to complete after they have reviewed the chapter readings. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 20 multiple choice, true/false, and multiple answer questions, and have a 2-hour time limit. (CLO: B, C, D)


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