Psychology of Learning for Instruction

by Marcy P. Driscoll

The Third Edition of this popular text continues its in-depth, practical coverage with a focus on learning and instruction that presents the latest psychological and educational models and research to the students of today's learning society. Psychology of Learning for Instruction, Third Edition, focuses on the applications and implications of the learning theories. Using excellent examples ranging from primary school instruction to corporate training, this text combines the latest thinking and research to give students the opportunity to explore the individual theories as viewed by the experts. Students are encouraged to apply “reflective practice,” which is designed to foster a critical and reflective mode of thinking when considering any particular approach to learning and instruction.

Genres: Education, Psychology, Nonfiction, Grad School, School, Reference, Research

504 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1993

Reviews

[Devrim Ozdemir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during my doctoral program. It was a nice cover of major theories. It is a nice introductory book that can help the students to see the big picture in the field.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my doctorate program and liked the overview of the many different cognitive, behavioral, and social theories presented. The best piece of this book was the practical applications of each theory in the educational setting. There are many of these ideas I can take directly back to classrooms to help with motivation, engagement, and learning.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for my doctoral class, so my rating is for a textbook material. Is it dry? Kind of. The chapters are long, but overall it was a good introductory book. I read the 2005 version because it was so much cheaper than the newest one.

[Aaronlong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read it for class, but glad that I did. It was a lot of work to sort through all the information. Yet I can see much more clearly why I do what I do in the classroom.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes hard to read, just because it was long, but very through and clear with good examples being used.

[Hương Minh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My criterion for rating the books:
(1 star): Did not even want to complete  
Did not even want to complete   Manage to complete, Not recommended.
(3 stars) Finished. Absolutely not read again.
(4 stars) Finished. Possibly refers to a few details. Can be better.
(5 stars) Finished. Enjoy the majority of the information. May buy as a gift for a friend.
____

I was fortunate enough to read the book while enrolled in a class at Florida States University's Instructional Design and Learning Technologies graduate school. The book was used for the Learning Theories course, which was taught by Dr. Kerry Burner - the co-author of the book. She is an excellent facilitator, so I got the opportunity to delve more deeply into each chapter.

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive overview of learning psychology in the context of instruction in informal education, formal education and corporate training. There are also some discussion of the impact of technology and neuroscience. As a novice in the subject, I found the book to be really helpful, despite the fact that some sections are a bit difficult to understand at first glance due to the author's attempt to synthesize a large number of definitions, perspectives, and examples. My recommendation is to find a companion to read the book with and try to have a discussion after each chapter, either by discussing the chapter's key themes or by using the navigation questions that each chapter has. I also find it useful to have a glossary to keep track of all the terminology, as it assists in building stronger schema.

The book is one for which I would recommend a hard copy so that you may take lots of notes and quickly flip to the pages when necessary.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is no exciting book, but it has been very helpful and practical. Driscoll does a very good job of reviewing the many popular and prevalent teaching and learning theories in education today. She helps the reader to understand the historical context of the rise of each theory as well as the practical outworkings of each theory. She makes a case for the pros and cons of each theory, pointing out the usefulness to be found and utilized as well as the drawbacks to using the different theories in certain contexts. The examples given, even from her personal experience, are helpful in seeing the different theories at work. While not a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Driscoll does an excellent job with the material and makes it as enjoyable as possible. While not the most enjoyable read, the material was useful and easy to follow.

I appreciated the concluding short chapter regarding synthesizing of the different theories to create one's personal learning and teaching theory. I think it was helpful to be reminded that each theory does not work all of the time, but there is something to be learned from each theory and each chapter in the book. Everything here can be used in meaningful and useful ways to better influence the classroom and help teachers. This was a good and helpful book in my pursuit of growth and improvement as an educator.

[Tim Gannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional text. The various learning theories are discussed, such as behavioralism, cognitive information processing, meaningful learning, biological bases, and situated cognition. Other chapters examine cognitive and knowledge development, with a review of Piaget and neo-Piaget. Bruner and Vygotsky's work is described. Chapters on motivation and self regulation are also included. The text finishes with Gagne's theory of instruction and Constructivism.

Each chapter is presented in a fashion to make the content meaningful and more easily learned. It explores the similarities and differences between the theories that are presented. This text seemed to be a work of love. There is much there for those interested in the field of learning and it's application in instruction. I am indebted to the author. My hope is to take this information and apply it in my life and in my work.

[Mark Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Began a bit rocky, but now I feel like I have become friends with Marcy Driscoll. Each page is like she is talking to me and explaining things so I can understand. In the latter chapters, she is good about relating to earlier chapters and the major topics there. I figured out at the the end, that there was method to her madness, in the order in which she presented the topics. There are a lot of terms I can't remember. But I feel I could re-read this and enjoy it and get a lot more out of it, which is what I intend to do this fall.

[Matthew Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I set out to read this text for a class I'm teaching. Driscoll is clear, conversational, and thorough. My only complaint is that some of the chapters could be reordered...presenting behaviorism, cognitive theories, and constructivist theories a little closer together to discriminate between these important traditions. But, I still love this book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can we get an updated edition with research citations past the 80s & 90s?

[Angela Benson]

Psychology of learning for instruction by Marcy Perkins Driscoll (2005), 3rd ed

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading this for my adult learner course.

[Yeva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful books; great examples.