Fitting the Pieces Together
Continuing
the assignments for my Walden U Learning Theories class, I have been instructed
to answer the following questions via my blog.
Now that you have a deeper understanding of
the different learning theories and learning styles, how has your view on how
you learn changed?
I do not believe that my view
on how I learned has changed; however, I do believe that I am now aware of many
different ways in which I might be able to learn. I believe that learning is an ongoing and
changing process. In order to be an
effective learner I need to be flexible in my learning processes and not to be
afraid to try something new. As an
instructional designer, I need to take into consideration all the different
learning theories and styles. Jeanine
Ormrod (2009) summarized it best when she said, “To teach (or design)
effectively, you've got to know how students learn.”
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?
When I first glanced at the
different learning theories of behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, social
learning and adult learning, I felt overwhelmed. However, upon reading and researching these
theories, I am comfortable in identifying my way of learning with behaviorism,
constructivism and social learning theory.
Behaviorism, according to
Ormrod, (2009) learning takes place through in relation to visual and physical
stimuli and responses. Behaviorism is
also where habits are learned. (Standridge, 2001) This is my comfort zone.
Constructivism is defined as theories
of knowledge through self- led instruction guided by one’s own theories (Ormond, 2009). By developing and building understanding from my own
personal experiences, I am taking the responsibility of learning (Glasersfeld,
1989) and connecting it with prior knowledge to build new knowledge.
What role does technology play in your
learning (i.e., as a way to search for information, to record information, to
create, etc.)?
Right now technology plays a
huge role in my learning. Walden
University’s learning format is all done online. Also Walden’s program of Instructional Design
has its students using the computer based Adobe Web Suite. Everything from
searching for and recording information to designing instruction with learning
in mind is also done on the computer. So
it is a good thing my computer and I get along.
We will be continuing to spend a lot of time together.
References
Glasersfeld, E. (1989). Cognition,
construction of knowledge, and teaching. Synthese, 80(1), 121-140.
Ormond, J., Schunk, D. & Greder, M.,
(2009) Learning theories and instruction.
(Laureate custom edition)
New
York: Pearson
Standridge, M. (2001). Behaviorism, In M. Ored
(Ed.) Emerging perspectives on learning,
teaching, and
