Knowledge and Learning: An Interdisciplinary Theory with Application to Teaching

Using insights from the fields of Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Education, Nonlinear Systems Theory, and Theory of Language, a comprehensive theory of knowledge and learning is derived that is correspondent and coherent with results in these disciplines. The methods by which humans construct knowledge and 18 first principles of learning that define the requirements for successful learning using these methods is then derived. The book demonstrates how this theory and its derived  methods and first principles are utilized to create successful learning experiences, diagnose learning problems, improve existing lessons, and develop effective curriculum. It puts teaching and learning in an analytical theory-based context. While its principal target is those training to be educators and educational leaders, it should be of interest to anyone working in a field that deals with learning and knowledge accumulation or is simply curious about the nature of knowledge and learning.

Steffen E. Palko spent 34 years in the energy industry and co-founded XTO Energy, which became an S&P 500 company in 2006. Beginning in 1986, he served in a variety of educational leadership roles at the national, state, and local level.

After obtaining a Doctorate in Education, he spent 12 years teaching in TCU’s College of Education.