Explain how the evolution of learning theories and neuroscience over time has shaped selected learning controversy.
Write a 5–7-page analysis on a featured debate on learning theory. You will explore how the evolution of learning theories and neuroscience has shaped a current learning controversy.
Learning theories evolve over time. It is important to understand how historical, political, and cultural changes affect learning theories and how we apply them. The purpose of analyzing a current learning theory debate allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of theories, critical thinking skills, and how to apply theory to your own specialized field of psychology.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
- Competency 1: Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and applications of the foundational learning theories.
- Explain how the evolution of learning theories and neuroscience over time has shaped a selected learning controversy.
- Evaluate multiple perspectives on the selected learning controversy.
- Competency 3: Apply evidence based research in learning theories to guide decision making and problem solving.
- Assess the implications of this learning controversy on your area of specialization.
- Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.
- Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics; format paper, citations, and references using APA style. I will upload instructions and grading score guide in the morning.
Preparation
Learning theories evolve over time. As we discover more about how people learn, the application of learning theories also changes. An idea that worked 50, 20, or even 5 years ago might not work currently due to a shift in cultural beliefs, new knowledge, or new learning contexts. Anytime there is a change in our thinking it can impact the way we apply learning theories. Many times differing perspectives can lead to productive discussions and academic debates that further the evolution of the learning theory.
Instructions
In this assessment, you will explore how the evolution of learning theories and neuroscience has shaped a current learning controversy.
Select one of the following learning controversies:
- Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory.
- Learning Styles.
- Brain Hemisphere Dominance (Left verses Right Brain).
Research the historical approaches for the learning controversy and how this issue is currently being debated.
- Looking at this learning controversy through the lens of learning theories and neuroscience, what has changed or been discovered that has led to this debate?
- Analyze the multiple perspectives of the selected learning controversy.
- What are the arguments and priorities for this issue?
- Assess the impact of the selected learning controversy on your area of specialization.
Make sure to include the following:
- Explain how the evolution of learning theories and neuroscience over time has shaped selected learning controversy.
- Evaluate multiple perspectives to the selected learning controversy.
- What are arguments and priorities of the proponents and critics of this issue?
- Assess the implications of this learning controversy on your area of specialization.
Additional Requirements
- Length: 5–7 pages (not counting your title page or references), double-spaced, 12-point font.
- Number of references: Minimum of 5 references.
- Article distinctions: There are three different types of articles. Research articles present original research, review articles discuss research already presented elsewhere, and survey articles are comprehensive review articles that discuss an entire field or area of research. References to books are acceptable, but they should be kept to a minimum—probably no more than five.
- APA style: You must use proper APA style to cite and list your references. Refer to the Writing Center’s APA Style and Format guidelines (linked in the Suggested Resources) for more information.
- Format: Use the following structure:
- Cover page (your name, your specialization or program, title and course number, current quarter and year, and instructor’s name).
- Abstract (optional).
- Body of paper, including headings and subheadings over the appropriate content.
- Reference list.
- Refer to the APA Style and Format guidelines for additional formatting information.
- Style: Write in the third person as an impartial narrator. Avoid the use of I, we, or you. In particular, avoid phrases like “I think” in favor of phrases like “the evidence suggests” or “research indicates.” In science, personal opinion carries no weight unless supported by a combination of empirical research and statistical or logical-mathematical inference.
- Other notes: Avoid long quoted passages from your source texts. Your writing should be a synthesis of your own ideas, in your own words—even if your ideas refer to the original ideas of others, in which case the references should be explicit. Graduate-level writing should be scholarly and more than a mere summary. It should present a unique thesis or at least a significant point you are trying to make, adding appreciably to what is already known of your topic. Your point or thesis will stand or fall solely on its strength—that is, the quality and quantity of the evidence you present.