The following sections provide a wide variety of resources for improving teaching, curriculum development, student management, the application of educational technology and other aspects of learning with emphasis on faculty support and development.  The resources are organized by; Learning Theory, Learning Approaches, Curriculum Design, Teaching Methods and a collection of Resources for Teaching. There are numerous links and many of the webpages and articles include references or links to additional materials addressing learning and faculty support. Also included in this section is a list and description of books and materials located in the Fairchild Research and Information Center at Maxwell AFB supporting learning and faculty development.

Click HERE to see the books on the TLC Reference Shelf in the MSFRIC that promote faculty expertise and are available for checkout at the MSFRIC.

The following resources provide an introduction to some of the major learning theories for education.  

Bloom's Taxonomy for Learning

Bloom's Taxonomy was created in 1956 under the leadership of educational psychologist Dr. Benjamin Bloom in order to promote higher forms of thinking in education, such as analyzing and evaluating concepts, processes, procedures, and principles, rather than just remembering facts (rote learning)

Gagne's Hierarchy of Learning

Gagne's model of instructional design is based on the information processing model of the mental events that occur when adults are presented with various stimuli and focuses on the learning outcomes and how to arrange specific instructional events to achieve those outcomes. Applying Gagne's nine-step model is an excellent way to ensure an effective and systematic learning program.

Survey of Learning Theories at InstructionalDesign.org

InstructionalDesign.org is designed to provide information about instructional design principles and how they relate to teaching and learning. The site provides an overview of many learning theories with accompanying reference sources. Resources on this site were created by Greg Kearsley and Richard Culatta.

Survey of Learning Theories at Learning-Theories.com

David L, "Summaries of Learning Theories and Models," in Learning Theories, June 30, 2017, https://www.learning-theories.com/.

Leveraging Affective Learning for Developing Future Airmen
AFRI Research Study, Col Donald Tharp, USAF, Dr. Anthony Gould, and Col Robert Potter, USAF, Ret.

This study is intended to help AF leadership and educators better understand the importance of affective learning in the development of Airmen as life-long learners. Affective learning concerns learners' attitude, motivations, beliefs, and emotions.

Adult Learner Theory

Adult learning theories provide insight into how adults learn and can help instructors be more effective in their practice and more responsive to the needs of the learners they serve.

This section provides ideas and methods for various styles or modalities of teaching and learning. Each learner has a preferred style of learning which, if possible, should be addressed to make learning most effective. In addition, the subject or domain for learning can also impact which style or method of teaching might be most appropriate for producing an effective learning experience.

How People Learn This teaching guide highlights the pedagogical theory presented in the book: How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School John D. Bransford, Ann L. Brown and Rodney R. Cocking, editors National Academies Press; 1st edition (September 15, 2000)

Commissioned by the National Research Council, How People Learn presents the conclusions of recent research in cognitive science, and then develops their implications for teaching and learning. The following highlights of this research may be helpful as you reflect on your own teaching practice, and how it may better enhance your students’ learning.

Seven Practices for Effective Learning by Jay McTighe and Ken O’Connor
Educational Leadership, Nov. 2005 | Vol 63 | No.3; The Assoc. for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Classroom assessment and grading practices have the potential not only to measure and report learning but also to promote it. Indeed, recent research has documented the benefits of regular use of diagnostic and formative assessments as feedback for learning.

Flipping The Classroom
by Cynthia J. Brame, Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching, Director

In essence, “flipping the classroom” means that students gain first exposure to new material outside of class, usually via reading or lecture videos, and then use class time to do the harder work of assimilating that knowledge, perhaps through problem-solving, discussion, or debates.

Active Learning
by Cynthia J. Brame, Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching, Director

Active learning involves teaching methods that "involve" students in active participation rather than passive absorption. Students "do something" associated with the learning task to become more engaged. With active learning, students are expected to be more responsible for their own learning (learner centered).

"Instructional design refers to the systematic and reflective process of translating principles of learning and instruction into plans for instructional materials, activities, information resources, and evaluation" (Smith & Ragan, Instructional Design, 2nd Ed, Wiley, 1999). In other words, it is the process where educators determine how best to teach a lesson or course while guided by a set of education principles.

Overview of Instructional Design at InstructionalDesign.org

InstructionalDesign.org is designed to provide information about instructional design principles and how they relate to teaching and learning. Instructional design (or instructional systems design), is the analysis of learning needs and systematic develoment of instruction. Resources on this site were created by Greg Kearsley and Richard Culatta.

Instructional Design Articles at eliearningindustry.com

A collection of articles addressing various aspects of instructional design.

Preparing a Syllabus from the Teaching Center at Washington University in St. Louis.

The syllabus is a key instrument for education that can serve in multiple ways for both the students and the instructor. A good syllabus is normally essential for conducting courses in education and this article describes some the why's and how's associated with creating and using a syllabus as part of good teaching practices.

Guide for Developing Lesson Plans from the Teaching Center at Washington University in St. Louis.

The syllabus is a key instrument for education that can serve in multiple ways for both the students and the instructor. A good syllabus is normally essential for conducting courses in education and this article describes some the why's and how's associated with creating and using a syllabus as part of good teaching practices.

This section provides ideas, techniques and methods for operating and teaching in the learning environment, either in the classroom or online.

Teaching a Small Seminar from the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Central Florida

Leading a small seminar group requires specific techniques and skills to support learning objectives while including all members of the group in the process.

Guidelines for Effective Lectures from the Stanford University Teaching Commons

Stanford University offers a guide for effective and engaging lectures. The best lectures, like any good talk, invite students to think imaginatively and conceptually about a significant theme or problem. Several other aspects of effective lectures are addressed including:

• How to Lead a Discussion
• Leading Discussion Groups
• How to Get Students to Talk in Class

Designing Smart Lectures from the University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation

Smart lectures convey new terms and concepts, delineate historical context, demonstrate function, and draw complex connections between ideas. Well-organized, vibrant lectures offer efficient ways to explain important detail to large groups of diverse learners.

Improving Presentation Style from The Teaching Center at Washington University in St Louis

A great set of do's and don'ts that can help lead to more effective lectures through improved presentation methods and style. The article provides teachers with practical recommendations, tips and techniques to develop a style of presentation that connects with students and helps promote learning through improved communication.