Learning Theories and Instruction Reflection

This post is my personal reflection of my learning experience during the EDUC-6115 Learning Theories and Instruction course.  This course was an excellent introduction to learning theories and instruction.  Prior to this course, I had learned methods to incorporate technology into learning (e.g., blogs, wikis, videos, podcasts); however, I did not have a strong understanding of learning theories. 

Throughout the course I explored the history of the major learning theories:  behaviorism, cognitive, constructivist, social learning, connectivism and adult learning theories.  I am a very task-driven person and a task-focused learner.  I found myself relating to the cognitive and adult learning theories.  A blend of these two theories explains my approach to learning and the factors, as an adult learner, important me– such as connecting information learned with work experiences gained during the past 30 years.

As I begin my career change into instructional design, having an understanding of learning theories and learner motivation will help me to consider how to design the courses which meet the identified learning objectives.  I can apply the theories as a strategy to course design, which ultimately will help to ensure the course objectives meet the desired learning for the learner.

During this course I learned motivation is an important element to consider when designing courses. As I design courses, I need to consider how to engage and motivate a learner. I do not want to create courses that are simply “click through page turners” for the learner.  I want to create courses learners actually enjoy, are engaged with, and at the conclusion of the course, the learners actually understand the material.  I believe there are different methods which can be incorporated into course design to engage and motivate a learner, such as having the subject matter expert (the physician) tell a story about his or her experience with a patient.  Simulations are another great method to create learner motivation.  I leave this course contemplating how to incorporate simulations into the courses I am building.

I also learned to appreciate the difference between learning theories and learning styles.  Although I entered the course believing in the validity of learning styles, I was presented with ideas during the discussion board which led me to question the legitimacy of learning styles.  This was an interesting insight.  I had wondered how to meet the various learning styles of the learners, but this course helps me to see I need to focus on the learning theories, not the learning styles, when designing a course. If I consider learning theories, versus learning styles, when creating a course, then I will likely address the learning styles of the learners.    

I found myself most interested in the topic of learning and the role of the brain.  I truly enjoyed learning about the brain, how it functions, and the role of short term and long term memories when learning.  Going forward I will follow neuroscience research.  I believe it has strong implications for instructional design.  I work with neurologists as the subject matter experts.  Understanding the brain will help me work with neurologists as the subject matter experts.  I also believe understanding how the brain develops and functions at different ages will help me to design instruction targeted for the developmental state of the learner (i.e., K-12 design would differ from adult instructional design). 

References

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson

Week 7 Reflection: Fitting the Pieces Together

During the past seven weeks I have studied the major learning theories:  behaviorist, cognitive, constructivist, social learning, connectivism and the adult learning theories.  During week one I stated I believed I fit best in the cognitive learning theory.  I believe this still remains the best fit. I am a very self-motivated, self-directed learner.  I set high standards of achievement because I like to, not because the standards were set for me.  I have a fairly structured method of learning that employs my cognitive skills.  These traits serve me well both as a student and as a worker.  

When I began the course, I had related “learning theories” with “learning styles”.  Although both are important to understand, they are different.  I believe it is important to understand the various learning theories to effectively design curriculum.  Some theories may be more important to incorporate into instructional design based on knowing who the audience of learner’s are.  For instance, is the instruction for K-12 learners, young adult learners, or “older” adult learners like myself?  Another factor to consider is the use (or lack of) technology in the classroom or for designing and delivering the instruction.

I do think my view of how I learn has changed because I learned a few new ideas of what I can do to make my learning “stick”.  I have wondered why I have a difficult time with memorizing information.  Understanding how to use mnemonics to help develop a better memory was interesting and something I can use to help me learn.  Understanding the importance of meaningfulness as it relates to a learners ability to retrieve information from long term memory was helpful for me.  I learned from classmates how to periodically stop when I am reading and ask myself a couple questions about what I just read, to see if I understood.  I had also never heard of heuristics, the mental method of solving problems.  Tips like these will impact how I learn going forward.

Perhaps what I have enjoyed learning about the most is the human brain:  how we are wired for learning, how short-term/working memory and long-term memory work (or don’t), how continued learning can actually form new neurons in the brain (very interesting), and the implications of brain development on learning.  I find brain research extremely interesting and believe it is helpful to understand for designing curriculum.

Technology plays a large role in my learning.  As an online student, I rely on technology to deliver my classroom, my materials (online libraries), to view and submit assignments, etc.  I use the internet to find information I need to know or want to know, network with other professionals to ask questions of via discussion boards (LinkedIn), etc.  When I want to know something, technology is what I use to find the answer.

Learning Networks

How has your network changed the way you learn?

Prior to beginning my master’s program, and now my certificate program for instruction design, I had never given thought to how my connections facilitate my learning. Prior to being a student, I was not in the habit of using my network to learn.  In addition, I had not spent a great deal of time trying to learn new material and did not realize how many resources are available to continually learn.  My mindmap blog posting illustrates the many ways I now learn. 

My networks continually challenge me to learn.  Fortunately, I do enjoy learning and today it is much easier to be a lifelong learner.  The best networks for me have been through the required readings of my courses and then reflecting through papers and through assignments.  I am a hands-on learner, so I take advantage of the courses available through Lynda.com.  The continual advancements in technology demand that I learn and keep up with technologies, since they are a very big part of my job and knowing the ways to be productive by using technology.

Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

The digital tools that are well suited for facilitating my learning are online libraries, e-books, and the courses available through Lynda.com.  I also find watching YouTube videos for “how-to” type information, or to hear about topics I am not familiar with, are highly beneficial.  As an online student, I am able to learn new information, hear the thoughts of my classmates and instructor, and read textbooks and articles.  Eventually this method of learning will end, but the habit of seeking information has become very ingrained and taught me to seek information and learn.

How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

I belong to professional memberships and attend chapter meetings.  The connections I make with others in my field provide me with people who have the knowledge I seek.  Today it is easy to do internet searches for information and often the searches and information found will answer the questions I may have and provide me with the knowledge I seek.  I am a reader, so the information I receive through the journals of my professional memberships also allows me to learn new information and stay current on research being conducted in my trade.

In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?

I believe having learning networks is what connectivism is about.  These networks help me learn, provide connections to sources, and allow me to practice/implement the learning.  Connectivism is a learning theory that is all about the incorporation of information, technology and social networks to learn. By creating my mindmap, it is clear that most of my learning as an adult is through the use of technology, my networks at work, through professional memberships, and even through the blogs of others.  Technology is a large part of my daily work – from creating PowerPoints converted to Adobe Connect, Camtasia, videos, podcasts, etc. 

Mindmap of Learning Network