About SCMD5001A: Theories of Learning

This module on theories of learning in the health sciences will be delivered entirely online. In previous years, students were required to attend a "contact week" where they took leave from their work and attended a set of classes. Since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the pedagogical method of delivery of these learning opportunities has changed, resulting in this online format. Interestingly, student who had experienced both teaching modalities have commented that there are many advantages to learning online, and we hope that this will be a meaningful intellectual engagement for you.

On completion of the module you will be able to:

Explain the importance for educators of having an understanding of the theoretical constructs of learning
Explain the role of the socio-cultural environment in the development of models of learning and assessment
Identify and retrieve additional relevant literature
Describe the historical context, role players and principles associated with several key pedagogical theories, with particular emphasis on adult learners and tertiary education
Position yourself within a theoretical framework and apply the relevant literature relating to teaching and learning to your own practice
Debate the implications of learning theories on the effectiveness of pedagogies such as web-based and blended learning

Expectations

Session 1 is an introduction to online learning and a guide to how to navigate Ulwazi. If you have not previously studied online, or if you have had no experience with the Learning Management System (Ulwazi), it is worth spending at least an hour on this session, familiarising yourself with the system.
Session 2 contains information about the course, including all the due dates for assignments and the expectations for portfolio contributions and online interactive engagement. It should take about 15 minutes to read this information, however you are advised to return to this session frequently in order to confirm that you are meeting the course requirements.
Session 3 is an introduction to the field of higher education in general, where current trends in health science education are discussed. This is a whole new Discourse for health science professionals - and will provide the gateway for your engagement with the theories of learning in the next session. The session requires about four and a half hours of engagement.
Session 4 is a series of exercises structured to assist you in knowledge construction centering on theories of learning most pertinent to the health sciences. This is the most labour and time intensive, requiring your participation in reading new material and creating artefacts to share with the class. Participation will require around 25 hours of engagement.