Learning about learning: A theory-based approach to instruction

This paper provides a theory-based introduction to instructional design that can be used in pedagogy seminars, training sessions, professional development events, colloquiums, and/or programmatic guidebooks. It includes a series of activities designed to assist instructors in the classes they teach. The exercises combine theory with practice to fortify classroom instruction and promote student learning outcomes, while also encouraging a greater appreciation for the significance and value that education has in students' lives.Courses Pedagogy seminars, educational theory courses, and introduction to graduate studies. The exercise can be used in traditional classroom settings, workshops, training sessions, and/or instructional handbooks.Objectives Participants/educators will develop a theory-based instructional approach by (a) examining their own educational history, (b) learning about various educational theories, and (c) applying this information to the course(s) they teach. These objectives will be demonstrated by participation in various discussions and by writing three papers. The first paper will record participants' recollections of their own educational experiences. The second paper will allow participants to identify, detail, compare, and contrast different theoretical approaches to teaching and learning. The third paper will include a lengthier response that applies a theoretically grounded approach to utilize in the course(s) they teach.