What is Learning Theory

Although online adjunct faculty have expertise in their area of study, a disconnect often exists between teaching practices, theory, and course development. As the higher education landscape shifts to a centralized course model, this disconnect must be addressed for institutions to help faculty provide instruction that bolsters student success and completion. A teaching philosophy can resolve this disconnection. Inherent in the development of a teaching philosophy is a critical reflection of beliefs about how learning happens, and an articulation of how classroom strategy is utilized through the lens of learning theory and an understanding of course design. As faculty gain confidence in integrating contemporary teaching practices into their current pedagogy, they can tailor learning experiences to students' needs, engage in evidence-based strategies to enhance content retention, and develop effective courses if needed. Additionally, the teaching philosophy acts as tool for self-evaluation and further pedagogical evolution, and if used at scale, could increase the level of faculty expertise in the classroom institution wide.