Learning Theory

Apply content knowledge, pedagogical, and professional knowledge necessary to carry out teaching responsibilities and for successful performance in the health professions field.

Artifact Reflection:

Learning Theory/HPTT 801 Foundations of Health Professions Education

The Learning Theory Paper allowed us to choose the learning theory taught in class that is most closely related to our teaching approach. I chose to write about social cognitive theory and was asked to compare and contrast it with other learning theories and to explain how it relates to online teaching and learning. This artifact relates to the objective of learning theory by exploring different pedagogical methods to achieve successful teaching outcomes.

I learned that using social cognitive theory is a great tool for hands-on, in-person teaching, which aligns with my background in precepting cardiac ultrasound students. Social cognitive theory is also greatly influenced by motivation stemming from goals and expectations, social comparison, and self-concept. These concepts help reinforce and improve my clinical teaching abilities. However, since my teaching experience was solely in the clinical setting, I was not exposed to other educational environments that might invite different methods of learning theories. Moving forward, continuing to use these theories in applications such as clinical teaching will be highly beneficial towards the success of students that work hands-on with patients.

Artifact Reflection:

Integration Paper/HPTT 801 Foundations of Health Professions Education

The Integration Paper assignment relates directly to the Learning Theory Paper and Curriculum Outline completed earlier in this course. The objective was to assess the curriculum outline from the perspective of the chosen learning theory, social cognitive theory. The assessment involved answering questions such as whether the teaching techniques are consistent with learning theory and, if not, what can be done to modify them. This artifact was selected for the learning theory objective because of its involvement in content, pedagogical, and professional applications that support the successful execution of teaching responsibilities.

I not only learned how to build a curriculum but also how to deliver course content effectively based on the learning needs of the students. Specifically, the course curriculum and the learning theory are catered to cardiac ultrasound students. At the time, I did not teach ultrasound students in a classroom. However, it is what I do in my current position, and researching effective learning strategies has been beneficial to my early success in the classroom. These strategies include offering a combination of vicarious and enactive activities to capture learners’ attention, retention, production, and motivation.