Fitting the Pieces Together

Taking a course on learning theory really gets you thinking about learning (shocker I know). This week I am evaluating how my view on how I learn has changed, using the wealth of knowledge I have obtained over the past few weeks. When I began this course, I associated the way I learn with particular learning styles as opposed to particular learning theories. I am now developing a much deeper level of understanding as to how people learn. I am surprised to say that although I identify with a particular learning style, I do not identify with any particular learning theory. In actuality, I identify with portions of all the theories we have learned about.

Learning styles come up a lot in educational discussions. As a teacher, I often heard about the three basic types of learners as defined by McCarthy (1981); visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C., 2008). I would have described myself as a visual learner. While I still consider myself partial to the visual learning style, I have learned that teaching students “learning strategies” may be much more effective than catering to individual “learning styles.” I now recognize that I learn better and retain more information by using strategies such as elaboration, comprehension monitoring, and mnemonics (Ormrod, J).

There is no shortage of learning theories that exist to explain the way we learn. I have found a connection with each of the theories we have explored in this course to help explain how I learn:

1. Behaviorism- I use behavioral objectives to break down more abstract learning goals. I use study techniques such as rehearsal, practice, and reinforcement.
2. Cognitivism- I use cognitive strategies for more complex learning such as problem solving, reasoning, and information processing.
3. Constructivism- I believe that we construct meaning based on our experiences and we all construct our own unique reality.
4. Social Learning Theory- I learn well in peer collaboration settings. I also learn well in apprentice situations.
5. Connectivism- I use many sources of technology to connect to many knowledge resources.
6. Adult Learning Theory- I am a self-directed adult learner.

Throughout this course I have learned I am much more dependant on technology for learning than I realized. Just take a look at my blog on Connectivism and you’ll see what I mean. I use technology to search for information (search engines, ebrary, etc.), create information (online applications, computer applications, etc.) record information (computer), and store information (portable hard drive). Without the use of technology, I would be unable to take this very course on learning theory. Overall I have gained a great appreciation for, and a deeper understanding of, the way not only I learn, but all learners learn.

References:

Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C. (2008). Learning styles: How do they fluctuate? Institute for Learning Styles Journal [Vol. l].

Ormrod, Jeanne Video Program “Learning Styles and Strategies”