Answer:
Central to and in curriculum development and implementation is learning theories. Learning theories does two things;
- attempt to describe how individuals learn and retain any given information
- states underlying learning principles.
Varying expositions about learning that “specify the link between what is learned and the conditions under which learning occurs” are provided by different learning theories.
Explanation:
Learning theories guides curriculum
designers in making appropriate choices relating to the selection of teaching methods and also strategies for assessment of learning outcomes.
Project outlook: Evaluating whether and how various relevant and appropriate learning theories were applied in the curriculum design process of the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) diploma programme of a unnamed institution.
Selected theories:-
Some examples of the learning theories includes ;
The Stimulus Response Theories/Behaviourism
The Gestalt Field Theories
The Cognitive Development Theories
Socio-cultural Learning
Theory (Social Constructivism)
.
Project setting:
The study employed a qualitative research design involving a historical method .
In the study was integrated some
aspects of action research because we had a researcher who was using the research results to inform adjustments and to track the implementation of the MLT curriculum.
The conceptual framework of while developing the research methods : Shows that understanding curriculum structure and applied learning theories informs curriculum reform.
#1. The sampling of the study populations was done using unplanned and random sampling methods as described by Scientist et al.
a. Note, the study utilized blended methods for data collection that included, survey questionnaires , checklists and official document analysis.
b. The research instruments used included a set of questionnaires administered to learners
and clinical supervisors.
c. The research methods and instruments used were the most appropriate based on the conceptual framework and current
realities.
d. The checklists and survey
questionnaires contained standard descriptions of elements/contents of official curriculum documents in use and the expected relationships between various learning theories.
e. The instruments were developed focusing on issues which depict conformity with various learning
theories adopted from literature relevant to curriculum development.
The study tools sought the views of respondents regarding the relevancy and appropriateness of various learning theories used in the process of MLT curriculum design and development.
Followed by document analysis especially where a careful analysis of the curriculum documents alongside with strategic plans of both the Health and Education ministries.
It was aimed to investigate the relevance of curriculum content and strategies and their connection/linkage with appropriate learning theories.
The data analysis employed grounded theory approach.
Results:
Results showed that the curriculum employed some of the above and other learning theories like;
Phenomenological- hermeneutic theory,
Deconstruction theory,
Constructive alignment theory and
21stcentury learning theories.
