Theoretical Eclecticism in the College Classroom

Author: Morrone Anastasia   Tarr Terri  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 0742-5627

Source: Innovative Higher Education, Vol.30, Iss.1, 2005-01, pp. : 7-21

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Abstract

In this article we argue that student learning is enhanced by “theoretical eclecticism,” which we define as intentionally drawing on different theories of learning when making instructional decisions to provide students with the instructional support they need to be successful. We briefly review the literature on four views of learning and on learner-centered approaches to instruction and then integrate this literature with Barr and Tagg’s (1995) distinction between the instruction paradigm and the learning paradigm. Finally, we present examples from a teacher education course to illustrate how theoretical eclecticism can be used to support student learning.