WK2 8010
Response 1
Crystal Courtner
Role of Theory in Research
The goal of theory is to provide logical explanations. According to Babbie, “Paradigms and theories that guide research inevitably impact what is observed and how it is interpreted” ((2017), p.57). Theory affects our scope and what we choose to filter out. However, it is unethical to use a particular theory to reach a desired conclusion (2017). It is acceptable to choose a theory that will help illuminate certain points of research, but there may be bias.
Theory in Ed Tech
Cognitive Load theory directly applies to educational technology (Sweller, 2020). It also provides a guide for appropriate educational technology usage. Its basic tenets are sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory. In order to use this theory, I have to believe that human brains can only process a little at a time, so people need to be intentional with what they are learning. By reducing the demand on working memory, people can learn more effectively.
Epistemological, Ontological, and Philosophical Alignment
Cognitive Load theory does not align completely with the Relativist-Constructivist worldview. Cognitive Load theory relies on quantitative data, which is appropriate for educational technology. However, Relativism-Constructivism relies on qualitative data because it is subjective. The ontology is Relativist, meaning “there can be no one truth because truth is subjective and is created through the interactions of individuals” (Burkholder et al., 2020, p.34). The epistemology of Relativism-Constructivism is based on socially constructed knowledge by interacting with individuals (Burkholder et al., 2020, p.34). Concerning educational technology, I will need mixed methods to satisfy both Cognitive Load Theory and Relativism-Constructivism.
References
Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (Eds.). (2020). Research designs and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Sweller, J. (2020). Cognitive load theory and educational technology. Educational Technology Research & Development, 68(1), 1–16. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1007/s11423-019-09701-3
Kelly Thompson
Kelly Thompson Discussion Week 2
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Hello. I hope everyone is having a nice week.
1. An explanation of the role of theory in research
Dr. Patton believes that, simply stated, theory explains how things work (Laureate Education, 2009). Theory organizes data and observations to explain why something occurs in society. Researchers then create a study to test, expand upon, or expel theories using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodologies (Vaus, 2001)
1. Identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets.
Student Centered Learning Theory is the theory I have chosen for this discussion. This type of learning is based on the theory that students have more positive learning outcomes when they can correlate learning to real world experiences and their own personal belief system (Kaput, 2018).
While there are skills and strategies that all students need to master, learning is personalized. Each student creates their own path to mastery. Once a student is competent in a skill set, they move on to the next skill. Competency based learning does not have a typical level or age group. Because student take ownership of their learning, learning can occur in any setting. While it is important that there are student/teacher interactions, learning can and does occur outside of the walls of the traditional classroom in a student-centered environment, offering multiple pathways to mastery (Kaput, 2018).
1. “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?"
I very much subscribe to the belief that every human has gifts that will help others. In my current role as a strategist, I provide guidance and I make suggestions to my employees and to my customers, but I never refer to what I am doing as a plan because every person is different. I start with an outline, and I adjust it accordingly, based on wants, desires, strengths and weaknesses.
1. Describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.
Student centered learning theory is a theory rooted in the Constructivism learning philosophy that assume pupils. This learning approach emphasizes learning as a personal and independent process. The epistemological assumptions of Student centered learning are that knowledge is based on the individuals’ prior knowledge and well as their current actions. Both create or construct new understanding. The individual is in a constant state of learning. The ontological assumptions of student centered learning are that there is no one way to learn or even a way to define learning since learning is subjective. (Burkholder et al 2020 p.21).
References
Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (2019). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE Publications.
Kaput, K. (2018). Evidence for Student-Centered Learning. educationevolving.org. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED581111
Laureate Education (Producer). (2009). Theory [Video file]. Baltimore, MD:Author.
Vaus, D. D. (2001). Chapter 1 The context of design. In Research design in social research. SAGE.
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