Willingham’s Learning Theory – Scenarios
Under each scenario explain which would be the best strategy and why?
Dilemma 1.
I have just qualified to become a junior school teacher and I have given classes ranging from
7-11 year olds. I am writing for advice because the students are such mixed ability and I feel
as though I cannot get the best learning from some of the students because some find the
work too easy and others find the work a little bit hard. Do you have any strategies for me to
help these children learn to the best of their ability?
Strategy: Cognitive Development strategies would be best here. One of the strategies which would
prove useful would be to asses each individual student and understand what level they are at and
set tasks individually. Once you have assessed the students’ ability you could put those of a same or
similar level in groups and set tasks which are within their ability but still require effort from each.
The age range of the students also vary.
Dilemma 2.
My daughter wants to be a hip-hop dancer but she feels as though she has ‘two-left feet’ and
cannot follow the rhythm. She says that she cannot remember the dance routine as well as
the other girls in her class. Any advice please?
Strategy: This would be Physical Development. A strategy that would help would be to practice the
movements enough times in order to make the muscle commands automatic. This will help her with
the rhythm and help it flow more smoothly. Before this however she should try and make a
conscious effort and develop the motor skill. Start with the basics and then increase the difficulty
and develop the skill.
Dilemma 3.
A new student has started in my class and she seems as though she is struggling to make
friends and settle in with the other children. She snatches, throws tantrums sometimes and
become distant when she does not get her way. Do you have any advice or techniques that I
can use to help her develop her social skills please?
Strategy: This is Social Development. A strategy I would recommend is to help the child stop
impulsive behavior (behaving without thought of the consequences). Stopping impulsive behavior
can help create friendships and help them with stressful situations. Impulsive behavior can be
avoided by removing anything that could be a trigger and have an organized class environment.
Under each scenario explain which would be the best strategy and why?
Dilemma 1.
I have just qualified to become a junior school teacher and I have given classes ranging from
7-11 year olds. I am writing for advice because the students are such mixed ability and I feel
as though I cannot get the best learning from some of the students because some find the
work too easy and others find the work a little bit hard. Do you have any strategies for me to
help these children learn to the best of their ability?
Strategy: Cognitive Development strategies would be best here. One of the strategies which would
prove useful would be to asses each individual student and understand what level they are at and
set tasks individually. Once you have assessed the students’ ability you could put those of a same or
similar level in groups and set tasks which are within their ability but still require effort from each.
The age range of the students also vary.
Dilemma 2.
My daughter wants to be a hip-hop dancer but she feels as though she has ‘two-left feet’ and
cannot follow the rhythm. She says that she cannot remember the dance routine as well as
the other girls in her class. Any advice please?
Strategy: This would be Physical Development. A strategy that would help would be to practice the
movements enough times in order to make the muscle commands automatic. This will help her with
the rhythm and help it flow more smoothly. Before this however she should try and make a
conscious effort and develop the motor skill. Start with the basics and then increase the difficulty
and develop the skill.
Dilemma 3.
A new student has started in my class and she seems as though she is struggling to make
friends and settle in with the other children. She snatches, throws tantrums sometimes and
become distant when she does not get her way. Do you have any advice or techniques that I
can use to help her develop her social skills please?
Strategy: This is Social Development. A strategy I would recommend is to help the child stop
impulsive behavior (behaving without thought of the consequences). Stopping impulsive behavior
can help create friendships and help them with stressful situations. Impulsive behavior can be
avoided by removing anything that could be a trigger and have an organized class environment.
