Learning

Will Haywood
w.haywood@warwick.ac.uk
What is learning?
Learning and Teaching

Learning
Si Sf
Teaching

T
Practical Implementation
Reif (2008)
Learning

Learning is defined as an alteration in long-term

memory. If nothing has altered in long-term
memory, nothing has been learned.

Sweller et. al. (2011)

Learning is like a garden

In the right soil a plant will grow. Just as plants

can be nurtured through gardening, so the brain
can be shaped and moulded through teaching.

Blakemore & Frith (2005)

Memory

Memory is the residue of thought.

Willingham (2009)
A simple model of the mind

Attention Working
Environment
Memory

Remembering Learning

Forgotten Long-Term
Memory

Willingham (2009)
An experiment

MXN RBI RNK QYO ULV GWA

An experiment
An experiment

BBC NHS RAF BRB LOL WTF

An experiment
 Working Memory

What counts as a chunk will vary

The working memory can
between people and can depend on
hold 7 items or ‘chunks’ of
prior knowledge and
information.
understanding.

More like 3 or 4!

Miller (1956) Pickering (2006)

How did/do you learn?
Theories

Intelligence Learning Instruction

Approaches to understanding learning

Behavioural Cognitive Educational

Psychology Psychology Neuroscience
Theories
Neuromyths

Learning Styles Dale’s Cone of Experience

What is Learning?

In groups:

Take a learning theory and produce a ‘poster’ which includes:-

- A brief summary of the theory

- Applications of the theory in practice
- Strengths & limitations of the theory
- Citations where appropriate