Understanding and Using Educational Theories

An accessible guide to the theories of 20 major educational thinkers, the strengths and limitations of their ideas, their relevance today and how they can be used in the classroom and other educational settings. This textbook gives readers an accessible overview of 20 of the most influential thinkers on education, including long-established names (Vygotsky, Piaget, Bruner), more recent theorists (Dweck, Goleman, Rosenshine) and other key individuals whose writing has helped shaped our views on teaching and learning. Each chapter includes practical examples showing how theories can be used to inform classroom teaching, and critiques of each theorist exploring opposing viewpoints and the strengths and weaknesses of different ideas. This fourth edition includes: A new chapter on John Sweller and cognitive load theory A new ′next steps′ feature in every chapter, offering research project suggestions for students, and suggestions for essay questions and discussion topics for tutors. This is essential reading for any university course that covers learning theory, with particular relevance for initial teacher education, education studies and early childhood degrees.