ERIC Number: EJ1111116
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1812-9129
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Learning through the Variation Theory: A Case Study
Cheng, Eddie W. L.
International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, v28 n2 p283-292 2016
The variation theory stems from the concept of phenomenography. Although some applications of the theory can be found, the theory is not well known in the field of education, especially with respect to the teaching of business and management subjects. The aim of this paper is to explore the use of the variation theory for teaching management concepts. A case of designing an educational setting for learning two easily confused theories of knowledge management was presented. With the intended object of learning, the educational setting was divided into three parts, based on which students experienced the four patterns of variation (i.e., contrast, separation, generalization, and fusion) by using their own generated examples. The theory helps students draw upon their personal experiences and discern learning from different perspectives.
Descriptors: Case Studies, Management Development, Teaching Methods, Knowledge Management, Generalization, Concept Formation, Business Administration Education, Transfer of Training, College Students, Learning Theories, Qualitative Research, Observation
International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning. Web site: http://www.isetl.org/ijtlhe
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A