Willingham's learning theory and the effects of learning on development Flashcards
What are the important aspects of Willingham’s learning theory?
To practice and knowledge comes before skill.
What is meant by ‘factual knowledge’ precedes skill?
People need to know about the knowledge first in order to be more skilled as it takes time- knowing material ‘by heart’ makes it easier to develop our skills.
What is the relationship between knowledge and working memory?
If we know information off by heart, that frees up the processing power of our working memory to solve a problem. Working memory is limited, and knowledge makes its job easier.
What does Willigham believe about practice?
Practice will lead to success as if you practise more and more it will definitely be stored in your long term memory and you will be able to recall it later again. Practice enables us to master knowledge and skills.
Why is practice important for skills?
Practising helps us to develop our skills so that they become automatic/ improve. E.g. we practise our reading until it becomes automatic and requiring very little effort.
What strategies does Willingham suggest to support students’ cognitive development?
- Teach new things but also guide them as it is their first time- give tasks that require effort
- Understand each child’s development
Students abilities changes all the time - Consider reasons rather than saying that the student is ignorant.
What does Willingham mean when he says that a student’s skills are variable?
A child’s progress is not necessarily linear but can change day to day.
What strategies does Willingham suggest to support students’ physical development?
Practice and effort would improve physical development, such as muscle movements. He related it to brain processing.
- Focus on what movements will be suitable in daily life (and for specific tasks- e.g. throwing a ball).
- Practise the movements in order to be able to perform it again.
- Make changes if needed, so the movement will be more accurate and to challenge yourself so that you can get better each time.
What does Willingham disagree with Piaget about?
- Willingham disagrees with Piaget’s view that children cannot see things from someone else’s viewpoint until they are 7 years old. Piaget later agreed that during the first 18 months, children can see other viewpoints.
When did Willingham think that a child can take someone else’s viewpoint from?
When they are 7 years old and older.
According to Willingham, why is it important to demonstrate appropriate social behaviour around children?
Childrens are easily imitated by adults so when adults are around children they need to be a role model for them.
According to Willingham, why is it important to help a child to stop impulsive behaviour?
Impulsive behaviour is an aggressive behaviour which adults need to teach childrens to control their behaviour and to take consequences. This makes it easier for children to develop positive social relationships, and makes it easier for learning to take place.
According to Willingham, how can impulsive behaviour be controlled?
It can be controlled by telling childrens that this is a wrong behaviour as if they do not listen adults should punish them. It can also be controlled by an organised classroom environment and by removing anything which could trigger impulsive behaviours (e.g. particular toys).
According to Willingham, why is self-regulation important for a child?
Childrens get easily distracted by other things which they need to try and learn to not do.
According to Willingham, why is practice important for a child’s social development?
To improve: practice and effort aid social development
- Willingham disagrees with Piaget’s view that children cannot see things from someone else’s viewpoint until they are 7 years old. Piaget later agreed that during the first 18 months, children can see other viewpoints.
- Teachers should be polite and to be role models to childrens as they will imitate others easily.
- Children should be educated and know how to behave properly. This could happen if they had done something wrong giving them a small punishment.
- Encouraging practice for childrens in order for them to improve this will show self regulation.
- Do not give rewards regularly to children too easily as they would not learn to be self control which will lead to becoming relied on.
