The Learning Sciences—as interpreted through a set of interrelated theories including identity theory, constructionist theory, cultural- historical activity theory, and 4E cognition theory—frames learning as “becoming” and the construction of knowledge and artifacts. In this perspective learning, cognition, and knowledge are seen as enactive, embodied, embedded, and extended. Complex Conceptual Systems describes conceptualizations of learning as complex conceptual systems. Practices, along with terminology commonly used, values, and cognitive filtering, are emergent phenomena. As with all complex systems, the relationship between conceptualizations of learning and practices are not direct linear causal relationships. How learning is conceptualized determines a set of action potentials which delineate a range of possible practices in teaching and learning. Introducing new practices into a context where there is a conceptualization of learning for which the practices are outside the range of practices delineated by the action potentials can lead to failure of the practices to be adopted or sustained.
In Situated Learning theory, learning is described as increasing identification with a community of practice and greater engagement with the practices of the community.
Design-Based Research is a research methodology for investigation of designs grounded in theory over multiple iterations aimed at feeding back to inform theory.
These foundations are operationalized through a community of scholars. In this community, educator and learner practices are addressed as emergent phenomena in complex conceptual systems through research of innovative and interdisciplinary designs for transformative and powerful learning grounded in evidence and aligned with learning sciences perspectives.
Additional Resources
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
- Collaborative vs Cooperative Learning
- Complex Conceptual Systems Theory
- Complex Systems Theory
- Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
- Cultural-Historical Activity Theory
- Constructionist Theory
- Constructivist Theory
- Critical Pedagogy
- Design Based Research Methodology
- Identity Theory
- Situated Learning Theory
- 4E Cognition Theory