Theories on, and around, learning

This chapter introduces the reader to theories of learning. However, due to the large number of theories available (several books could easily be written to cover these), it is purposefully selective in its approach. As such, it acts as a springboard for further exploration and aims to highlight the potentially rich experience that can be achieved through drawing on theory and research. A list of suggested texts for further reading is available at the end. The chapter will cover the following: *What do we know? *Why use theory? *Behaviourism overview *Early behaviourism *Modern behaviourism *Thinking about learning *Assessing understanding *The spiral curriculum *Getting your students in the zone *Representing meaning *Humanism *How can I use humanism in my teaching? *Sociocultural approaches and situated learning *Learning domains *Mindsets *Action research.