Learning theory through a social justice lens

Abstract

Learning theory is and can be a useful tool for teaching and learning in higher education, but there is much to challenge and problematize about many of the traditional learning theories, from the epistemological lens that frames these theories to the ways they conceptualize the ideal learner. Most of these theories were not created with social justice in mind, but even those that are critically oriented, such as conscientization and transformative learning theory, are used to maximize learning Western knowledges in the classroom setting. Altogether, there is room to do more.