I am trying to understand the Gestalt Theory and when it would be useful in a classroom.?

Question

I am trying to understand the Gestalt Theory and when it would be useful in a classroom.?

Answer 1

The essence of Gestalt theory is that people perceive objects as wholes. When we see a triangle, we view it not as three lines and three angles, but as one thing, a triangle.

Most of Gestalt theory has to do with visual perception when it comes to its use in the classroom. However it also can be useful in music in which the whole piece is played before breaking it down to the various instruments that may be involved.

A very simple, yet effective teaching method is known as whole-part-whole. When using this method, the instructor presents an overview of the subject to be learned. She then proceeds to break down the subject into its various component parts. Finally, she presents the entire subject again, emphasizing the way that the relationship between the parts contribute to the whole.

Most students benefit from this type of instruction, especially children with learning disabilities, who have difficulty envisioning the whole from the parts, unless they see the completed model first.

Answer 2

Any theory can be used in the classroom as one example of a theory..... How did people come to that theory, etc.. .

Answer 3

On my teaching course in the British Army the professor summed up the Geslalt theory simply.

Tell em what you are going to tell em

Tell em.

Tell em what you told em.

ie Whole/part/whole