Now that you have a deeper understanding of the different learning
theories and learning styles, how has your view on how you learn changed?
My view on learning and how I
learn has become increasingly more complex for me now; however, I also have
more insight into how and why I learn some things easily than others. There is so much research available to help
yourself excel with any subject or content, including those that you are weaker
with. The forming of new connections and relevance to other topics made me
realize how interconnected everything is. Each learning theory can explain and
offer a solution based on the definition of the problem. There is no one correct
learning theory as they all build upon each other and they each have their own
merits.This is my recap on the learning theories and styles:
Behaviorist Theory as mentioned by Ertmer & Newby (1993),
this theory describes how we develop habits that result in our being able to
generalize similar facts. Acronyms.
Constructivist Theory for me is gaining knowledge from daily
experiences.
Cognitive Theory for higher order thinking skills like
reasoning, problem solving, and information processing.
Social Learning Theory is gaining knowledge from social settings; I
use this as a high school teacher, when I start student projects with the
student who will go above and beyond on assignments in order to set the tone of
what is expected.
Connectivism is processing and connecting current
knowledge and purging of non relevant information.
Adult Learning Theory incorporates many theories to the adult
learning environment. I use multiple strategies to gain knowledge. This is
where is “isms” all come together. We must take something from each one and
create experiences for all learners.
What have you learned about the various learning theories and
learning styles over the past weeks that can further explain your own personal
learning preferences?
If I had to pick just one I
would say, my personal learning supports the constructivism theory. I take
previous knowledge and experience into consideration, engage in social learning
with my peers, analyze my own motivation, etc. to construct new knowledge. The
Constructivism Theory “equates learning with creating meaning from experience”
(Ertmer, et al) since all the theories are so connected and complement each
other, I like Connectivism, simply because it makes my learning more fun when
integrated with technology. Based on all the “tests” that I have taken over the
past few years and many more last week, I fall heavily on the social learning
theory. People of course is my passion, so I have to make mention here that I
have recognized my strengths lie in my networks and my connections that I have
made over the years.
What role does technology play in your learning?
I feel that my experience with
Walden has forced me to learn and use technology that I now see is connected to
many learning theories. I of course use the computer and the internet for
course access, research and learning connections. I use the research tools
available through the Walden library, but can find most of what I need with a
simple google search. I have created a blog for this class as well as for my Forensics
class (still in progress). I love the professional development classes where
students come to teach the teachers about technology. My school just had one of
these and it was great. I learned many tools.
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