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Theories of Learning and Teaching unit (EAL110)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to educational psychology and the theories of learning, relating them to contemporary teaching practices. As a result of studying this unit, you will understand why contemporary teaching practice is focused on learning rather than just educational delivery or training, and be able to incorporate this knowledge into your teaching and learning strategies. Various approaches to learning and teaching will be studied, and contextualised within a lesson plan that reflects your own beliefs and values about learning and teaching. This unit will inform and improve your knowledge of foundational and contemporary theories and practices in teaching and learning.

Summary

Unit name Theories of Learning and Teaching
Unit code EAL110
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Faculty of Education
Discipline Education
Coordinator Mr Timothy Atkins
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • analyse major theories of learning as they apply to the learner.
  • plan teaching strategies that respond to the relationship between learning theory and the characteristics of learners.
  • articulate your own learning and teaching philosophy, values and beliefs.
  • apply professional and academic skills to communicate and transfer knowledge to an intended audience.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
070109 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $2,562.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

AssessmentDeveloping a Learning and Teaching Philosophy Statement (20%)|Perspectives on Learning (40%)|Reflecting our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning Practice (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Gould, J. (2012). Learning theory and classroom practice in the lifelong learning sector (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
Recommended

Curzon, L. B., & Tummons, J. (2013). Teaching in Further Education: An outline of principles and practice. (7th ed.). London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing. 
Hase, S., & Kenyon, C. (2013). Self-determined learning: Heutagogy in action. London: Bloomsbury. 
Killen, R. (2016). Effective teaching strategies: Lessons from research and practice (7th ed.). Melbourne: Cengage Learning Australia. 
King, A. (1993). From sage on the stage to guide on the side. College Teaching, 41(1), 30-35. 
Knowles, M., Holton, E., & Swanson, R. (2020). Andragogy: A theory of adult learning. In M.S. Knowles, F. Elwood, R.A. Swanson, & P. Robinson. The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (9th ed.). London: Routledge. 
Duchesne, S., & McMaugh, A. (2019). Educational psychology for learning and teaching. (6th ed.). Vic: Cengage Learning. 
Merriam, S., & Baumgartner, L. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Whitton, D., Barker, K., Nosworthy, M., Sinclair, C., & Nanlohy, P. (2010). Learning for teaching: Teaching for learning (2nd ed.). Vic: Cengage learning.

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