My Own Personal Theory of Human Learning and Development Essay

Introduction

Child learning development is contingent on cognitive development and the existence of an environment conducive for learning. Individuals learn continuously from infancy to adulthood through social and environmental interactions. For an extended period, existing learning theories have revealed gaps in identifying the necessary elements that define a perfect Christian-based elementary classroom. An ideal elementary class is one that students optimally utilize opportunities present in the environment for cognitive and social development. Even though existing theories profoundly emphasize that learning depends on a child's cognitive and metacognitive development, elements such as hands-on activities, technology, and cooperative learning assist in creating an ideal elementary class experience.

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The 360 Learning Theory and its Importance

The 360 learning theory incorporates active learning, technology, and practical experience. The components permit a teacher to create an ideal learning and teaching atmosphere within the confinements of Christianity. The model emphasizes the use of active-based instructional frameworks, which will eliminate challenges in science education, such as coherency between scientific concept, activities, and learning tools.. Prins, Bulte & Pilot (2016) state that to integrate sciences with socio-economic factors, students examine specific activities, identify their participants, their goals, and the results of the process under study. Additionally, the instructional frameworks will allow teachers to guide students in learning through instructions, coaching, and allowing room for learners to handle problems independently (Prins, Bulte & Pilot, 2016). Therefore, learners can work within their zones of proximal development, where they use provided examples to improve their abilities to perform tasks without any assistance. The theory will supplement Vygotsky's development theory on the role of education in empowering children to think and reason autonomously.

Secondly, technology is indispensable in educational development. The use of smart boards and other technological tools will assist teachers to communicate and elaborate concepts in class (Martin, Shaw & Daughenbaugh, 2014). Cooperative learning will also ensure that all students are attentive and direct their energy towards academics despite their diverse needs, such as culture and language. Noticeably, through self-regulatory learning, learners can identify, interpret, and diagnose challenges in their academic life. Moreover, the phenomenon enhances cognitive growth in which individuals process change faster and in an informative manner. Christianity encourages moral and spiritual development among its members. The theory also blends biblical teachings from various gospels in the New Testament Bible to nurture morally upright children.

The theory has many advantages in child learning. Firstly, it will help teachers to foster motivation in the classroom through games and technological tools. Motivated learners can construct knowledge through their daily social, academic, and religious experiences. Moreover, they can connect with the teacher in both academic and social levels. Secondly, the learning model promotes morality and Christian values. In the Bible, Apostle Peter encourages Christians to grow in grace and understanding given by Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18, New King James Version). Teaching Christianity in elementary classes equips learners with biblical knowledge, grace, and strengthens their faith.

Description of an Effective Teacher

Teachers must possess outstanding skills and abilities to achieve their anticipated outcomes. Firstly, they must have a good understanding of the school curriculum. The trait enables them to plan, teach, and evaluate subject mastery among all students. Secondly, they must create a student-centric, positive, and respectful learning environment. The condition promotes constructive discussions and brainstorming in classrooms.

Thirdly, effective teachers have proper classroom management techniques to allow them run their classes efficiently. They develop feasible procedures to handle activities that pose challenges to learners. They are also capable of identifying gaps in learning and devise consistent solutions. Fourthly, effective educators reflect and asses the consequences of their actions and choices. The process fosters responsibility and ensures quality service delivery.

Fifthly, a good teacher has the ability to develop good relationship with students by supporting their talents and goals. Erikson's theory of development states that children at the age of years gain control of their world through their daily activities and social interactions (Schunk, 2012). When teachers support learners' and allow them to work and explore within their limits, they enable them develop a self-confidence and a sense of independence. The 360 theory encourages students to formulate their goals within Christian values and teachings.

Effective Learning Environment

An effective learning environment is one that enables a student to meet his or her academic, social, and spiritual needs. Teaching techniques, technology, classroom management, and motivation play a vital role in determining the effectiveness of the learning process. Firstly, constructivism creates a good learning atmosphere that is student-driven. In the past, schools applied the direct instruction-teaching model (Schunk, 2012). Consequently, not all learners benefited from bare lectures. However, the 360 learning model involves constructivism. The concept allows student participation by allowing them to work within the limits of proximal development. The latter improves their understanding and creativity.

Technology provides students and teachers with adequate resources, learning opportunities, and ways to save time. According to recent research, the use of smart boards and interactive whiteboards (IWBs) compliments teaching Science in elementary schools (Martins et al., 2014). They are suitable for group activities due to their navigation ease and touch-sensitive displays. Moreover, Proper classroom management provides opportunities for learners' cognitive development and growth. Elementary tutors must have adequate knowledge of their students' cognitive abilities to plan their teaching programs efficiently.

Piaget's theory of cognitive development claims that cognitive development arises from the construction of mental processes learnt through environmental experiences and biological maturation (Schunk, 2012). Therefore, teachers must design children-centred teaching programs, which accommodate lessons that match children's age and environmental experiences. Notably, Bandura's observation learning theory suggests that children imitate specific role models in the society. Thus, teachers must portray the Christian culture, which is appropriate in the society. Elementary children will copy their teacher's behavior since they portray them as their heroes.

Actively Including and Engaging Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities

Learners have unique metacognitive needs that have a major influence on their subject mastery. For example, children are unaware of the cognitive processes that specific task require during the early stages of their education (Schunk, 2012). To improve the ability, they need to develop monitoring, prediction, and planning skills. Teachers can assist them to enhance their metacognition skills by helping them read and applying customized teaching techniques.

Additionally, according to a recent study in several elementary schools in the US, learners who took part in math's game were able to engage in teamwork (Buchheister et al., 2017). The games also allow students with varying mathematical proficiency to participate in problem-solving activities. The rules of the games are flexible and variable to accommodate students' interests and needs.

Addressing Behavior and Character Development

Children learn and acquire new behaviors from their association with others and environmental dynamics. Vygotsky's social development theory states that social interactions result in consciousness and cognitive development (Schunk, 2012). Children learn from their tutors who have authority in various subjects due to their adequate subject mastery. Therefore, teachers should incorporate each student's social background before correcting or punishing their behavior.

Moreover, Abrahao and Basso's research notes that self-regulated learning enables students to plan their projects, organize ideas, and plan strategies to maneuver educational challenges (Basso & Abrahao, 2018). Regulating personal behaviors will enable students to develop the necessary skills to improve their learning within the Christian culture. Additionally, the scriptures outlay the importance of spiritual guidance from a young age. For instance, in the book of Hebrews, Apostle Paul states that Christians need to have spiritual teachers to remind them of the basic oracles of God for spiritual nourishment (Hebrews 5: 12, New King James Version). The 360 theory suggests that to mentor spiritually upright children, teachers need to employ teaching activities, such as interdisciplinary teaching, which will permit students to blend education and religion.

According to kohberg's theory, children perceive moral issues positively or negatively in response to environmental factors. For instance, children will refrain from mistakes once they are punished. Typically, individuals obey the rule in order to stay away from trouble. Notably, the bible states that sparing the rod spoils the child (Proverbs 13: 24, New King James Version). Therefore, in the proposed theory, teachers have the mandate to use necessary force to guide elementary children through their moral growth.

Engaging Students in Learning, Building Self-Efficacy and Motivation

Additionally, classroom engagement through game-based learning motivates students. The activities provide children with an innovative atmosphere and a high flow experience that promotes learning and performance (Hsieh, Lin & Hou, 2016). Consequently, the children develop self-efficacy-an innate belief of attaining their goals. The phenomenon enable them acquire problem-solving tactics, evaluate responses, and engage in a collective mathematical relationship.

Significantly, meaningful learning is necessary since it facilitates construction of knowledge through students' interaction and experiences. According to Sharan's research, a cooperative learning approach creates a conducive environment in multicultural classrooms. In this case, teachers utilize children's minds and experiences to bridge the gaps in learning (Sharan, 2015). For instance, they share stories, songs, culture to create reading materials based on their experiences and knowledge.

Personal Reflections/Conclusion

Overall, the 360 learning theory aims at developing an superlative elementary class through a proper blend of modern teaching activities. The use of games to learn mathematics, activity-based instructional frameworks, technology, hands-on activities, and cooperative learning assist in learners' metacognitive and cognitive development. Moreover, classroom engagement and authentic scientific study permit children to connect classroom activities with their surroundings. Additionally, interdisciplinary teaching such as reading and writing facilitate incorporation of Christian values with other subjects. Lastly, it is incumbent on elementary teachers to design a correct blend of the theory's component to create an effective learning environment.

References

Basso, F. P., & Abrahao, M. H. M. B. (2018). Teaching activities that develop l...