Principles of Teaching and Learning

  1. When the subject matter to be learned possesses meaning, organization and structure that is clear to students, learning proceeds more rapidly and is retained longer.
  2. Readiness is a prerequisite for learning.  Subject matter and learning experiences must be provided that begin where the learner is.
  3. Students must be motivated to learn.  Learning activities should be provided that take into account the wants, needs, interest and aspirations of students.
  4. Students are motivated through their involvement in setting goals and planning learning activities.
  5. Success is a strong motivating force.
  6. Students are motivated when they attempt tasks that fall in a range of challenge such that success is perceived to be possible but not certain.
  7. When students have knowledge of their learning progress, performance will be superior to what it would have been without such knowledge.
  8. Behaviors that are reinforced (rewarded) are more likely to be learned.
  9. To be most effective, reward (reinforcement) must follow as immediately as possible the desired behavior and be clearly connected with that behavior by the student.
  10. Directed learning is more effective than undirected learning.
  11. To maximize learning, students should “inquire into” rather than be “instructed in” the subject matter.  Problem-oriented approaches to teaching improve learning.
  12. Students learn what they practice.
  13. Supervised practice that is more effective occurs from functional educational experience.
Summarized from:            Newcomb, L. H., McCracken, J. D., & Warmbrod, J. R. (1993). Methods of Teaching Agriculture

(Chapter 2). Danville, IL: Interstate Printers and Publishers, Inc.

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