Discussion Forum - Unit 2

Week 2 discussion

Present your understanding of at least two learning theories, using appropriate citations. 
Include a real world example that you have used, or can use in your classroom, to apply
usage of these theories; include graphics and videos to create an engaging discussion. Social
Learning TheoryVygotsky’s social development theory.

According to Dircknck-Helnfeld (2009) as cited by UWIOC (2020) in problem based-learning

students begin with a problem to be solved, not with sets of facts to learn. Learners address the
problem by applying what they know, and if they encounter difficulties, they reflect, and try to
identify concepts that they need to know. Therefore problem based-learning can be interpreted as
a strategy that propels students to apply existing knowledge to real life challenges. When
existing knowledge does not cater to the issue at hand students reflects engaging in higher other
thinking skills which requires the use of trial and error to solve situations. This adds to students
existing knowledge or may allow students to restructure their previous knowledge.

Problem based learning (PBL) 2020.

Problem based learning is essential in my subject area, Principles of Business. Students can be
given simulated virtual scenarios about a business organization that has internal conflict, students
will engage in problem solving to apply the most suitable strategy to resolve specific problems.
This will involve students’ critical analyzation of situations and will benefit students by exposing
them to real life business operations. This activity can be executed by using the Website
Knowledgematters.com which has simulated educational business activities for students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilhbMN_Fyg0
Knowledge Matters (February 20th, 2014).

According to UWIOC (202) Vygotsky’s theory of social development postulates that learning
and development are inter-related from an individual’s first day of life. He considered
development to be the ability to use learned knowledge and skills as tools for effective problem-
solving in all areas of human living. Vygotsky identified two developmental levels. The first
was the actual level of development of a child’s mental functions, and the second developmental
level was the level of development that could be achieved when the child was assisted by a more
competent person. Vygotsky (1978) called this difference between an individual’s actual
development and potential level of development the zone of proximal development ZPD. My
interpretation is that individuals learn from social interaction. When students interact with other
students who are more knowledgeable than they are, they expand upon their own knowledge.
This is beneficial as there is an exchange of information, students expound upon their
knowledge, and students at a higher level of ZPD are able to solidify their information.

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding (2020).

As an English teacher Vygotsky’s social development theory is very useful to me. I can liaise
with other secondary school English teachers that I have met through UWIOC to set up pen pals
for our students. Students will interact via skype and be able to discuss with their new friends
what they have learnt during the week. This will not only solidify information but expand upon
their knowledge as a result of zone of proximal learning as they learn from each other. Topics
such as vocabulary and story writing would be greatly improved through social development
theory.
Student using skype in the classroom

References
UWIOC (2020). Learning Theories that Guide ICT-Mediated Learning Unit 2. EDTK2030

Information and Communication Technologies in Education 1-34.

https://2020.tle.courses.open.uwi.edu/pluginfile.php/43212/mod_resource/content/1/FOUN

%20Unit%201.pdf

Knowledge Matters (February 20th, 2014). Virtual Business Management Online Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilhbMN_Fyg0

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding (2020). Retrieved from

https://educationaltechnology.net/vygotskys-zone-of-proximal-development-and-

scaffolding/

Problem based learning (PBL) 2020. Retrieved from

https://educationaltechnology.net/problem-based-learning-pbl/
 

Problem based learning (PBL) 2020.

Problem based learning is essential in my subject area, Principles of Business. Students can
be given simulated virtual scenarios about a business organization that has internal conflict,
students will engage in problem solving to apply the most suitable strategy to resolve
specific problems. This will involve students’ critical analyzation of situations and will benefit
students by exposing them to real life business operations. This activity can be executed by
using the Website Knowledgematters.com which has simulated educational business
activities for students.

Play Video

Knowledge Matters (February 20th, 2014).

According to UWIOC (202) Vygotsky’s theory of social development postulates that learning
and development are inter-related from an individual’s first day of life. He considered
development to be the ability to use learned knowledge and skills as tools for effective
problem-solving in all areas of human living.  Vygotsky identified two developmental levels.
The first was the actual level of development of a child’s mental functions, and the second
developmental level was the level of development that could be achieved when the child
was assisted by a more competent person. Vygotsky (1978) called this difference between
an individual’s actual development and potential level of development the zone of proximal
development ZPD. My interpretation is that individuals learn from social interaction. When
students interact with other students who are more knowledgeable than they are, they
expand upon their own knowledge. This is beneficial as there is an exchange of information,
students expound upon their knowledge, and students at a higher level of ZPD are able to
solidify their information.

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding (2020).

As an English teacher Vygotsky’s social development theory is very useful to me. I can liaise
with other secondary school English teachers that I have met through UWIOC to set up pen
pals for our students. Students will interact via skype and be able to discuss with their new
friends what they have learnt during the week. This will not only solidify information but
expand upon their knowledge as a result of zone of proximal learning as they learn from
each other. Topics such as vocabulary and story writing would be greatly improved through
social development theory.
 

Student using skype in the classroom

References

UWIOC (2020). Learning Theories that Guide ICT-Mediated Learning Unit 2.EDTK2030
Information and Communication Technologies in Education 1-
34. https://2020.tle.courses.open.uwi.edu/pluginfile.php/43212/mod_resource/content/1/FO
UN%20Unit%201.pdf

Knowledge Matters (February 20th, 2014). Virtual Business Management Online Retrieved
from https://knowledgematters.com/highschool/management/

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding (2020). Retrieved

from https://educationaltechnology.net/vygotskys-zone-of-proximal-development-and-
scaffolding/
Problem based learning (PBL) 2020. Retrieved
from https://educationaltechnology.net/problem-based-learning-pbl/