Students' readiness

Learning theories try to explain how people learn (descriptive) or how they should learn (prescriptive). Either way, they influence how we design instructional models or develop educational technologies.

Generally, the term "Learning Theory" consists of several major paradigms:

• Behaviorism
  
• Cognitivism
  
• Constructivism
  
• Design-Based
  
• Humanism
  
• 21st Century Skills
  

Each paradigm represents a different approach concerning learning and was usually popular for a specific period of time before another paradigm was developed and added. Some paradigms are a combination of previous paradigms, some others are entirely new perspectives on learning and even criticise previous paradigms.

For each paradigm, researchers and educators have developed a huge variety of teaching and learning models.

If you want to read more about "the history of learning theories", please go to www.learning-theories.com. There you will find details on every paradigm and model. Also, common literature is being promoted there.

The most interesting learning theory for this course is the "21st Century Skills"-paradigm, also known as "P21".

The framework of P21 is designed as a flexible construction which allows educators to react to changes in the world of work or at educational institutions. The key components of this approach are:

• Life and Career Skills
  
• Learning and Innovation Skills (4Cs - Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity)
  
• Information, Media, and Technology Skills
  
• Key Subjects - 3Rs and 21st Century Themes
  

To successfully teach students with this approach, P21 includes the following support systems:

• Standards and Assessment
  
• Curriculum and Instruction
  
• Professional Development
  
• Learning Environments
  

These support systems have to be updated constantly and be able to implement innovations flexibly. Basically, the setting in which the learning should take place has to provide appropriate technologies and real-world connections to make the learning experience relevant to the students. At the same time, learning has to be personalized and engaging.

To summarize P21 and more information on the "4Cs", please have a look at this: 

In the following parts of this unit, you will learn more about P21.