Assignment overview
This assignment is designed to engage you with an in-depth study of contemporary learning theories. You will need to outline various views and perspectives on learning, and critically examine each one against current thinking around theories of teaching and learning. As part of this process, you will need to discuss various perspectives on learning and which ones have lost or gained support with the majority of people. Be sure to provide adequate evidence from the literature to support your suggestions and claims.
Related learning outcomes
This assignment is assessing your ability to demonstrate that you meet the criteria for the following unit learning outcomes:
- Recognise and explain why learning is a complex concept.
- Describe what is meant by learning theories and articulate their benefits and limitations.
- Describe and compare different learning perspectives and relate them to contemporary theories of learning.
- Relate and reflect upon personal beliefs about learning and teaching to contemporary theories and how this impacts on practice.
- Identify and predict factors that contribute to effective learning environments.
- Examine how research aligns with theories of teaching and learning and informs education.
Assignment details
This is an individual assignment involving two parts:
Part 1
Create a Venn diagram to compare two different theories of teaching and learning. Submit the diagram as part of the assignment and write about the key differences between these two theories (500 words).
Part 2
Write an essay that examines the perspectives of learning in your chosen theories, and clearly outline examples of the benefits and limitations of each theory. Use references and research to support your discussion XXXXXXXXXXwords)
Additional resources
A Web 2.0 tool such asGliffycan be used to create your Venn diagram or you can draw your own.
The Study resources section has helpful guides onHow to submit assessments, including anEssay writing guideand usingTurnitin.
Additionally, Swinburne'sAPA style guidewill help you with citing and referencing your work.
Submission details overview
Assignment criteria
- Clear and concise description of various perspectives on learning.
- Clear and concise description of the two theories of learning and teaching, including the limitations and benefits.
- Presentation and discussion of ideas.
- Evidence from contemporary literature on theories of learning and teaching. References are in correct APA format.
Your work will be assessed using the following marking guide:
| Criteria | No Pass | Pass
50-59% | Credit
60-69% | Distinction
70-79% | High Distinction
80-100% |
Clear and concise description of various perspectives on learning.
(30%) | Did not meet criterion. | Basic explanation of learning. | Good linkage between learning perspectives, supported by evidenced research. | Excellent linkage between learning perspectives supported by strong examples and relevant literature. | Outstanding linkage between learning perspectives, supported by clear and strong examples and relevant literature. |
Clear and concise description of the two theories of learning and teaching, including the limitations and benefits.
(30%) | Did not meet criterion. | Basic comparison made between theories, contrasting benefits and limitations. | Good comparison made between theories, contrasting benefits and limitations, supported by relevant research. | Excellent comparison made between theories, contrasting benefits and limitations, supported by strong examples of relevant research. | Outstanding comparison made between theories, contrasting benefits and limitations, supported by clear and strong examples and relevant literature. |
Presentation and discussion of ideas.
(25%) | Did not meet criterion. | Acceptable standard of presentation with clear communication. | Good standard of presentation, with clear communication. | High standard of presentation, excellent communication of ideas with a good connection to the learning materials. | Excellent standard of presentation, outstanding communication of ideas and strong connection to the learning materials. |
Evidence from contemporary literature on theories of learning and teaching. References are in correct APA format.
(15%) | Did not meet criterion. | Basic reference to relevant readings and resources. | Significant reference to relevant readings and resources with substantial reference to the theory. | Significant reference to relevant readings and resources with in-depth discussion of the theory beyond the prescribed texts. | Outstanding reference to relevant readings and resources detailed and in-depth discussion of the theory beyond the prescribed texts. |