Learning Theories

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs if a motivational theory that is based on a five tier model of needs. First proposed in 1943 the hierarchy levels are based upon satisfaction and what one needs internally. Going from bottom up, the first four levels are “deficiency needs”, needs that are easily met. The top of the pyramid is the self-actualization level, this is harder to reach as it is needed in order to gross and reach that “fulfillment” in oneself. The levels are Physiological Needs (air, food, water and shelter) Safety Needs (security, order) Love and Belonging (relationships), Esteem (respect, strength, freedom) and Self Actualization which is the desirer to be the most that one can be. Even though this hierarchy motivates us, Maslow found in 1987 that our needs are not satisfied in this order.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Blooms Taxonomy of learning domains promotes a higher form of thinking. These stages of learning begin with knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Bloom’s students later refined these categories to remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating and creating. All these categories are within the three learning domains; cognitive, affective and psychomotor. Down the line, metacognitive was added which is the knowledge and awareness of cognition. Bloom’s Taxonomy has grown and exploded into the digital world. There are a lot of helpful tools and programs provided online that helps increase learning through these stages. Digital tools are so helpful and make such a great asset to the learning process.

Backwards Design

Backwards Design by Wiggins and McTighe states that planing the curriculum should start by identifying the desired results first. This includes that the students should remember most of and the big idea of the lesson. After they know what the big idea and the main points of the lesson is they would be assessed on how they are actually learning and if they are understanding the material. Assessments include tests, quizzes, oral communication, projects and peer work. After the assessments are planned then the lessons need to planned. The lessons are planned around the assessments which are based off what the students need to know. So the activities, teaching methods, resources and more are planned based on the goal set in the beginning. This theory is to make an easier path towards the goals of teaching and learning.