Seeking a different (better) way.

Theorists pursue the
mysteries of knowledge.

What is a theory? Do we live and die by these formulations of thought based on research and observation? Individuals have perished, undergone prosecution, or endured persecution because of adherence to a different way of seeing the world. Social theories have instigated movements of political change in a culture. Educators tread theoretical waters in an on-going effort to create a better (I hesitate to write it, but. . .) "mouse-trap." A well-worn metaphor for sure, but the allusion to trapping and capturing is too evocative to resist. The effort remains to create better learning environments, a stronger curriculum, and more engaging methodologies.

Therefore and forthwith, this section of Planet Gnosis is dedicated to the theorists. These thoughtful dreamers put their ideas into actions so that cyber readers everywhere can ponder the wonder of humanity's desire to uncover the mysteries and the amazements of knowledge — and show us how we learn about the world.

The first posting is one of my own, a final course requirement for CIED 6023 Instructional Theory, democratically and constructively conducted by Dr. Michael Wavering at the University of Arkansas.

Tri-C Theory of Instruction

The Tri-C Theory of Instruction was the culmination of a semester's delving into the theories and perspectives of instruction and learning. The class assignment was to create an individualized theory of instruction based on the semester's readings, discussions, and presentations. The doctoral course used two texts: How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School, published by the National Reserach Council in 2002, and Learning and Instruction: Theory into Practice, 5th ed., by Margaret Gredler, published by Pearson.

How, dear readers, would you define your optimal learning environment? Can you recall a moment of instruction when all elements coalesced into something marvelous and memorable? Would it not be wonderful for all pupils if this moment could be sustained?

Your comments are encouraged and welcomed! Send your theory (or fragment) to tulipan@corndancer.com

Special
Methods
of Instruction

Multicultural
Issues

Classroom
Management
Concepts

Language
Development
for Educators

Classroom
Learning
Theory

Essays and Reports
by Dr. Bowles

The Association
of Teacher Educators

National Council
of Less Commonly
Taught Languages

LitTunes

Multicultural
Education
Resource Center

American Council
on the Teaching
of Foreign Languages

University of Arkansas
Curriculum and Instruction

Ron Fritze

Planet IEP

Teachers of English
to Speakers
of Other Languages

Planet Deutsch

American Association
of Teachers of German

Teaching People
of Other Cultures

C O R N D A N C E R