This course examines a range of contemporary instructional theories and practices including nondirective education, constructivism, technology-based instructional design, social cognitive approaches, critical pedagogy and the pedagogy of liberation. Course participants will investigate and critique each of these theories, evaluating the effectiveness of the practice and the appropriateness of its use in a variety of settings. In addition, participants will critically reflect on their own classroom practices, identifying the approaches commonly used and assessing their effectiveness. As a culminating project, course participants will design and implement a series of lessons grounded in one of the theories highlighted in the course.