Analyze the role of research and discuss its implications for our understanding of language acquisition, human learning, and how research impacts the field of education. You will do this by looking back over the chapters you read in Tracey & Morrow (2017), Hoff (2014), and the videos from this module. Your paper will be in two parts and you should use headings:
Part I: Theories
• Discuss two theories from your current readings making sure you clearly define the theory and the major theorists associated with them. (Use Tracey & Morrow, 2017 chapters 4, 5, and 8 for the two theories).
• Discuss how the theories you chose are applicable to learners across the lifespan (note how they may apply to different life stages: infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult), again, referencing Tracey & Morrow, course videos, course content guide (Cousineau, 2019) and Hoff where appropriate
• Consider how you would apply your two theories to the field of education: how would they be used to help teachers deliver content to students? Use Tracey & Morrow for this as well. They note Classroom Applications in each chapter.
Part II: Research
• How have the theories you chose in Part I been used in research? See Tracey & Morrow. They have “Research Applications” at the end of each chapter. You must cite specific studies (researcher names, year of research, and findings) that Tracey & Morrow present for the theories.
• How is research used to support theories? This is your understanding – how does research help us to know if theories hold true?
• How will you employ your knowledge of research when writing or speaking about human learning? Meaning, how does research inform our practices?
