Running head: Learning Theory
Customized Learning Theory
Kelsey Morrison
Liberty University EDUC 500
1
Learning Theory 2
Introduction
Everyone has their own beliefs about what makes a classroom, teaching, and learning
successful, and there are many theorists that have turned these beliefs into theories such as Jean
Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Albert Bandura. Yet, even with countless learning theories to gain
endless knowledge from, a teacher has every opportunity to create their own theory in what
creates the best learning environment possible. From creating a motivating classroom that is
successful for a diverse learning community, to helping each student build a strong sense of self-
efficacy and moral character. Teachers need to take these details into account while following
the example given to them by Jesus Christ, our master teacher, and if they do so, they will be
creating the most successful learning environment for their students.
Learning Theory and Its Importance
When considering what makes an effective and successful learning environment, it is
important to consider and understand learning theories that have come about before our own.
Jean Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development would help a teacher understand that a
child’s cognitive development is the deciding factor in how they respond to a social setting, and
that their moral development happens in stages. Lev Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory
stresses the importance of social interaction in cognitive development, and that sign systems, or
cultural symbols, have a great impact on how a child develops. Albert Bandura’s Theory of
Moral Development through Social Learning would help give a teacher the drive to become a
strong and positive role model for their students, as he believes that what a child does or does not
do is due to their models and environment around them.
Learning Theory 3
So, it is important for teachers to take these and other theories into consideration while
creating their own learning environment. These theories are in place to help others understand a
child’s learning process, how it can differ from a peer, and why.
There are several factors that go into an effective learning environment including having
good classroom management “Foundational strategies such as clear expectations and routines,
specific feedback, and high rates of opportunities to respond have strong empirical support”
(Mitchell et al., 2017, p.3) which will ultimately create a smoother learning ennvironment for
both the teachers and students. Direct instruction helps create an effective learning environment
because a teacher is efficiently and clearly teaching through their learning objectives for their
students to successfully master the new information. A teacher must also keep their class
In order to be an effective teacher, one must first realize the importance of their role, as it
serves a higher purpose,
Wan Yaacob & Don, 2018, p. 133). Teachers are also facilitators and
they help push students to create their own learning opportunities. Facilitating is an important
role as long as they realize that just like Jesus, teachers must guide their students through
learning “Jesus did more than facilitate. He also clearly enunciated a way of life and called
people to follow it. He referred to the Scripture as a guide” (Van Brummelen, 2009, 36).
Description of an Effective Teacher
Description of an Effective Learning Environment
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your
gift is prophesying, then prophecy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is
teaching, then teach;” Romans 12:6-7 (New International Version). Teachers were given the gift to teach,
and they must do it using the tools Jesus, our master teacher, provided to them. They must understand that
they are leaders and role models, and everything they do will have an impact on whomever they are
educating. “Teacher leaders play an important role in making the difference in student performance as
well as teacher performance” (
Special Educators need to take into careful consideration the group they are teaching.
One important job they have is inclusion and making sure their students have the chance to learn
alongside their typically-developing peers "children with disabilities should similarly benefit
from the opportunity to observe, imitate, internalize, and model the behaviors of their peers who
do not have disabilities and who thus may serve as experts” (Justice et al., 2014, 1723). For Life
Skill’s students, there are special programs set up that will teach them individually, at their own
pace, with skills implemented to help them thrive as people “Adaptive programming can be used
as the program doesn’t run on a four-year scope and sequence but rather it runs to the needs of
the students in class” (Wormald, 2016, 14).
A teacher should also always be aware of the diversity in their classroom and understand
that students are going to learn differently. Full-group learning can work for bringing up the idea
of new topics, but it is then their job to group those students with preparation for varied learning.
“What is more important than specific methods of grouping is that teachers treat students with
care and concern and allow them to exercise the abilities that are part of their personhood” (Van
Brummelen, 2009, 195).
Learning Theory 4
motivated and engaged in their learning, and to do this they need to keep their teachings relatable
to give their students a drive and want to understand more. One great way to keep a student
engaged is using technology such as researching a topic on the computer, watching videos, and
using interactive tools to help give students a better opportunity to broaden their knowledge
using visual learning tools. Last, having a classroom that is set up for collaborative and peer
learning will help give students a chance to learn from one another.
Actively Including and Engaging Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities
Learning Theory 5
Addressing Behavior and Character Development
Behaviors in a classroom can differ based on the students in the classroom “Students are
often identified as needing academic, behavioral, and/or social supports through observation of
their behavior. In many cases, it is determined that a given student’s problem behavior occurs
more frequently or with more intensity (or both) than the behavior of their peers” (Lee, 2018,
62). In the case of a student who has an identified problem behavior, instead of removing them
altogether, steps can be taken to ensure their classroom success. Examples of behavior
management is giving the student space to have a break or implementing reinforcers “Provision
of positive reinforcers contingent on compliance or noncontingently can reduce problem
behavior maintained by negative reinforcement, even in the absence of escape extinction” (Payne
& Dozier, 2013, 700). When reinforcers are added to the picture, students tend to have a better
drive and motivation to be successful in the classroom, which is worth the extra time needed to
implement those reinforcers.
One of the roles a teacher should take on is being a character educator by not only
helping their students with positive social morals, but also as the duty of an educator through
Christ “Teaching ethical principles and conduct is sometimes called character education. It
promotes the virtues that Paul mentions in Titus as well as the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galations 5:22-23).
Character education virtues overlap with these: respect, responsibility, integrity, empathy, and
compassion” (Van Brummelen, 2009, 232-233). Students can learn good moral character from
people other than teachers, but not all of them do. Which is why it is important for teachers to
model and incorporate good moral character into their everyday teaching.
Learning Theory 6
Engaging Students in Learning, Building Self-Efficacy and Motivation
Self-efficacy is something teachers want to instill in their students as it is the belief in a
person's own capabilities “researchers have shown that self-efficacy influences such achievement
behaviors as choice of tasks persistence, effort expenditure, and skill acquisition” (Slavin &
Schunk, 2017, 96). One of the best ways to instill a strong sense of self-efficacy in students is
making tasks doable and allowing students to master a lesson before rushing them onto
something new. This will tie into motivation and engagement in the classroom as “the best
motivation for students is to master tasks in a supportive setting” (Van Brummelen, 2009, 125).
In order for a student to have the drive and want to learn, they have to have confidence in what
they do. They need to know that they are not going to feel incapable of learning and doing work
provided. So as a teacher, it is very important to make sure students are understanding what you
teach, they are allowed time and practice to master the task, and the teacher is supportive of the
student and their work.
Some people do not learn well in a lecture style classroom, so it is important to provide
alternate learning opportunities for those who may need to stay motivated. A couple of those
ways to keep a student engaged and motivated is to allow them to work collaboratively as they
may pick up extra learning from a peer, stepping back to facilitate and allowing the class to work
through tasks on their own, and giving them a space to learn hands on.
Personal Reflections/Conclusion
I have learned some great things throughout this course and research that I plan to
implement into my own teaching career. Keeping in mind the many learning theories and
teaching practices to help ensure I am an effective teacher with a successful and effective
learning environment for diverse students. I will help them build character, self-efficacy,
Learning Theory 7
academic success, and most of all, a strong faith. I will teach by the examples given to me
through Christ, and I will instill that in my students. I have hope that most, if not all, my future
students will leave my classroom feeling successful, cared for, and understand they always have
someone to come to if they need. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when
they are old they will not turn from it” Proverbs 22:6 (New International Version).
Learning Theory
Wan Yaacob, W., & Don, Y. (2018). Teacher Leadership Model: Roles and Values.
Pedagogical Research, 2(2), 112-121. Retrieved
http://ijopr.com/index.php/ijopr/article/view/21
Wormald, C. (2016). Meeting special learning needs. Independence, 41(1), 14-30.
8
References
Justice, L. M., Logan, J. A. R., Lin, T., & Kaderavek, J. N. (2014). Peer effects in early
childhood education: Testing the assumptions of special-education inclusion.
Psychological Science, 25(9), 1722-1729. doi:10.1177/0956797614538978
Lee, D. L. (2018). Social dynamics management and functional behavioral assessment. Journal
of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 26(1), 62-64. doi:10.1177/1063426617750142
Mitchell, B. S., Hirn, R. G., & Lewis, T. J. (2017). Enhancing effective classroom management
in schools: Structures for changing teacher behavior. Teacher Education and Special
Education, 40(2), 140-153. doi:10.1177/0888406417700961
Payne, S. W., & Dozier, C. L. (2013). Positive reinforcement as treatment for problem behavior
maintained by negative reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(3),
699-703. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1459583080?accountid=12085
Slavin, R. E., Schunk, D. H. (2017). Learning theories educ 500 print offer for Liberty
University (custom edition). Pearson e Text.
from
Journal of
Van Brummelen, H. (2009). W
learning (3rd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design.
alking with God in the classroom: Christian approaches to teaching and
