Research On The Application Of Variation Theory To Comprehension Learning

Variation theory, which is advocated by Professor Ference Marton from Universitas Gothoburgensis in 1970s, is based on and developed from Phenomenography. Different from other theries’divergence from practice, variation theory attaches great importance to the instruction for practice from the very beginning. On the other hand, the results of Learning Study in Hong Kong, which is directed by variation theory, have proved that the teaching guided by variation theory will not only lead to students’deeper understanding and grasp of the learning object, but also benefit teachers’professional development. In this essay, teaching practice guided by variation theory will be discussed under a newly uprising school of leaning study-understanding-based leaning.To cater for a new consensus in education circle "Teaching for Students’ Understanding", the study of understanding-based learning springs up and has aroused the interest of many researchers internationally. For the present, there has been a comparatively complete academic system in the study of understanding-based learning, as well as a framework of teaching. There are also websites established by some research organization for the teachers to follow or exchange ideas. The development and perfection of learning study will always be illuminating for the development of teaching theory and practice.Based on previous researches, this essay will give a thorough insight to relevant concepts and main points. Following that, the combining points of understanding-based learning and teaching guided by variation will be elaborated, thus explaining how this special teaching will enable students to transfer rote learning to understanding-based learning. With questionnaire and interview of the students, the current situation of students’ understanding-based learning will be disclosed.Judging from the results of the questionnaire, the students know the importance of understanding-based learning, however, they lack essential guidance in learning methods whereas the teachers have not gotten rid of the stereotype of explanation and practice. Thus comes the need for teaching guided by variation theory.Through a thorough analysis and research of teaching guided by variation theory, some shortcomings of its application in practice are revealed. The classification of understanding and the framework of understanding-based learning will be beneficial to these aspects. There has been a complete framework for teaching for understanding in the research and development of understanding-based learning, namely the choice of generative topic, the set of teaching goals aiming at students’understanding, the design of classroom activities, the standards and feedback of ongoing evaluation. The framework provides a complete regulation of teaching process, which also makes it easier for the teachers to learn and actualize variation theory.The action research will be adopted, guided by the framework and supplemented by proper processing of the object of learning, the teaching practice of a reading part has been conducted. Through the reflection on the whole process, some matters needing attention and possible suggestions will be put forward. In the end the shortcomings of the research will be summarized.