Learning Theories Simplified: ...and how to apply them to teaching

About the Book

Are you struggling to get your head around John Dewey’s educational pragmatism? What exactly is Jean Piaget saying about cognitive development? Maybe you’re running out of time and patience making sense of Carol Dweck’s mindsets? Have you reached breaking point reading Daniel T. Willingham on educational neuroscience?

Written for busy teachers, trainers, managers and students, this dip-in dip-out guide makes theories of learning accessible and practical. It explores over 100 classic and contemporary learning theorists in an easy-to-use, bite-sized format with clear relevant illustrations on how each theory will benefit your teaching and learning.

Each model or theory is explained in less than 350 words, many with accompanying diagrams, and the ‘how to use it’ sections, in less than 500 words. Every entry includes:

• Do it steps in order to apply the theory or model
• Reflection points & challenges to develop your understanding of how to apply it
• Analogies & metaphors from which understanding and meaning can be drawn
• Tips for the classroom
• Further reading if you want to explore a theory in greater depth.

More titles by Bob Bates:
Educational Leadership Simplified
A Quick Guide to Special Needs and Disabilities    

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Classical Learning Theories Educational Philosophy Behaviourism Cognitivism Humanism Neurolism (the neuroscience of learning) Part 2: Contemporary Thinking on Teaching & Learning Professionalism Learning Styles Motivation Behaviour Management Coaching and Mentoring Teamworking Part 3: Planning, Delivering & Assessing Learning Curriculum Planning Lesson Planning Delivering Learning Assessment and Feedback Evaluating Teaching and Learning

About the Author :
Bob Bates was a Senior Executive in the Civil Service for twenty years. During this time, he also worked as a staff trainer and coach and mentor to people with disabilities. He then set up his own Management & Training Consultancy (The Arundel Group), which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. His work as a management consultant covered a number of local and central government projects as well as working as a trainer with major UK private sector companies. In the late 1990s Bob started a lecturing career, during which time he gained two Masters Degrees in Management and Education and a PhD in Education. He has taught over 1000 teachers and trainers on graduate and post-graduate programmes at two universities. He currently manages and teaches on City & Guild Teaching Award, Certificate and Diploma courses in a Community College The first edition of Learning Theories Simplified was Bob’s third book. His first book, The Little Book of BIG Management Theories, written with Jim McGrath, was on W.H, Smiths’ non-fiction best sellers list for nearly a year, is being translated into fifteen languages, including Japanese and Arabic, and was chosen by the Chartered Management Institute as the CMI’s Practical Management Book of the Year for 2014. His second book, The Little Book of BIG Coaching Theories, published in February 2015, was also a best seller and has been translated into German and Thai. His fourth book, A Quick Guide to Special Needs and Disabilities, was published by SAGE in 2016 and his fifth book, Leadership Theories Simplified, was published by SAGE in 2017. Bob shares his time these days between writing, working voluntarily for a charity that promotes health and education in the Gambia, researching into offender learning and homelessness and teaching Adult Education Teachers. Bob can be contacted through his web site bobbates.co.uk (here you get an option to pick Research or Bad Bob Bates – please choose the former) or email saddlers9899@aol.com

Review :
This book delivers exactly what it promises. It is an accessible guide which accompanies the reader through a range of complex concepts. Each theory is clearly explained, critically analysed and supported by anecdotes which bring the abstract to life. In addition there is direct application as to how these ideas can influence on a wider scale in the classroom, the staffroom and on senior management in education. Finally, if appetite is whetted, there is signposting to further reading. This is a great, comprehensive and accessible introduction to a vast range of learning theories that will be of great benefit to education students from undergraduate to trainee teacher level to doctoral level. It combines clear introductions to the theories with examples of their application and suggestions for classroom use, plus supplementary reading suggestions. I can′t recommend this book highly enough! A useful and highly accessible text that not only provides a broad overview of classical and contemporary learning theories, but gives pragmatic advice regarding their application within the classroom environment. This book would be a useful addition for anyone embarking upon a course with an educational focus. Clear explanations of theories, as the title suggests. A good range of theorists that will enable students to grasp their initial understanding and apply to situations in the classroom. Learners always seem to struggle remembering the theory behind education and play and this is a fantastic tool which provides a easy accessible point of reference. The index on page page is very helpful when trying to compare theory which relevant examples of how to apply the theory to practice. Can be use at all levels of study. This book is very accessible and explains what the theory is, how it works and how to put it into practice. A key feature of the book is the opportunity for the reader to reflect on each theory and decide which theories are credible (or not) for use in their particular area of practice. Bates shares some useful case studies from hos own classroom experiences and provides suggestions for further reading. An excellent book. This publication provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of learning theory. The book presents a timeline of theory development from Socratic thought to contemporary theory. Super range of theories which are written in an easy to read and fun way to understand.
Lots of theorists I have never heard of but will certainly use now A concise overview of learning theories which is a great reference point for further investigation. Found it useful to be able to give the students a snapshot as part of their introduction to teaching in the clinic I highly recommend this book.
It is very easy to use and very well thought out in its approach to structure and content. You can easily dip in and out which I find incredibly handy. I especially enjoyed the "How to use" sections as this details using relevant case stories and highlighting tips to embed the theories with students. The tips are simple yet effective. Great book for new teachers, practitioners and those who want a simple yet very effective guide on learning theories.