Fitting The Pieces Together

After learning and reflecting on the different learning theories and learning styles, it is has definitely expanded my knowledge and view point of how individuals learn. At the beginning of the term, I had mentioned that my learning style reflected both the behaviorist and cognitive learning theories. Since the behaviorist theory focuses on response based on prior conditioning, it reflects an individual’s ability to recognize prior knowledge based on experience (Ertmer  & Newby, 1993). The cognitive theory illustrates that when information is explained or described, it will likely influence cognitive learning, therefore when a teacher is able to effectively present and deliver material an individual is able to store information in long term memory (Ertmer & Newby, 1993). While investigating these learning theories, I would have to say that they stay true to how I used to learn in the past as a child and young adult. However, the way I acquire knowledge now is based on different learning theories and styles. Although I do not feel that there is exactly one theory to best explain my learning preference, it closely relates to connectivism and adult learning methods. Connectivism is a powerful device that begins with one person and spreads out ward through the development of a system (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2008).  Through the use of learning communities, blogs, and other social networks I have had the opportunity to access meaningful information about specific content. The great thing about learning through connectivism is the fact that it is more intriguing to use social networks as a source to acquire information rather than just using text books. It is stated the learning is a process of joining particular data sources and nurturing and maintaining connections facilitates continual learning (Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman, 2008).  Adult learning plays a position in how I learn now because it facilitates the role I obtain as an educator and student. Adult learning reflects that most adults participate in any learning activity to bring about change in particular area (Adult Education Centre, 2005). This illustrates many aspects of my career, as an educator I am always seeking new training opportunities or workshops to strengthen and gain new knowledge in my field. As a student I am able to self-direct my goals and expectations through distance education. What I enjoy about adult learning is the emphasis of project based and experiential experiences. Whether I work with colleagues to develop lesson plans or peers on classroom projects, experiential learning best allows me to use the experience I have acquired in combination with my strengths to construct new knowledge (Conlan, Grabowski, & Smith, 2003). Project based learning helps to select strategies and activities to challenge and solve problems (Conlan, Grabowski, & Smith, 2003). This correlates to strategies most useful when learning new information in class or working with others in the field of education. Technology plays a big role in learning because I use it to retrieve information, construct projects, collaborate with peers, and synthesize new information. Technology has become an essential function in my learning process.

References

Adult Education Centre. (2005). Facilitation skills: Working with adult leaders. Dublin, Ireland: University College Dublin. Retrieved December 10, 2011, from www.ucd.ie/adulted/resources/pages/facil_adnrogog.htm

Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K.. (2003). Adult Learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved November27, 2011, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 59-71. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives  on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism