Toward an Integrated Theory of Teaching and Learning

The relationship between teaching and learning is examined from a perspective concerned with integrating the two phenomena along several dimensions. Traditionally, teaching and learning have been studied as separate entities. This discussion is based on the premise that within an educational context, teaching and learning are so intertwined in a dynamic and reciprocal process that they need to be considered as a single entity rather than as two separate ones. The need to consider the simultaneous effects of cognitive, affective, motivational, and developmental factors is also stressed. The evolution of research and theory on teaching and learning, along with issues associated with the application of psychological theory to educational practices, are examined for insights into the types of issues that need to be pursued in the next generation of research on the teaching-learning process. Several approaches to the application problem are critiqued, and examples of research that integrates concerns for teaching and learning are discussed.