Learning has been defined in numerous ways with some similar elements, by several theorists, researchers and educational practitioners. One definition states that, “Learning is the process (es) by which humans acquire the range and variety of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that set the species apart from others”, (Gredler, Ormrod & Schunk, 2009).
In the beginning I classified myself as a person who learns best as a Constructivist. Bartlett (1932) pioneered what became the constructivist approach (Good & Brophy, 1990). Constructivists believe that "learners construct their own reality or at least interpret it based upon their perceptions of experiences, so an individual's knowledge is a function of one's prior experiences, mental structures, and beliefs that are used to interpret objects and events." "What someone knows is grounded in perception of the physical and social experiences which are comprehended by the mind." (Jonasson, 1991).
I leant to adapt different learning styles, in order to make my learning experience more meaningful and productive. I now also align my learning style not only with the Constructivism Theory, but also with Adult Learning, Social Learning, Connectivism Learning, as well as Cognitive Learning Theories.
As a Social Learner “people learn through observing others behavior, attitude and outcomes” (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2011). Attention, retention, reproduction and motivation are the necessary conditions for effective modeling. (Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2011).
As an Adult Learner, (Merriam, 2001, p.5) five assumptions underlying andragogy describe the adult learner as someone who:
Ø Has an independent self-concept and who can direct his or her own learning
Ø Has accumulated a reservoir of life experiences that is a rich resource for learning
Ø Has learning needs closely related to changing social roles
Ø Is problem-centered and interested in immediate application of knowledge
Ø Is motivated to learn by internal rather than external factors.
Adults are most interested in learning about subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life. Therefore, as the adult learn, they want to be able to use the knowledge in real-time in their work or personal environment.
The Connectivism Theory, states that learning is distributed within a network, social, technologically enhanced (Davis C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V., 2008). This theory also has a rapid changing core, complex learning system and diverse knowledge source (Davis C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V., 2008).
The Cognitive Learner prefers to encode information and store that information either in Long or Short Term Memory for later Retrieval. (Davis C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V., 2008)
Technology plays a very essential role in my learning. The four key components of learning with technology are active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback. With the use of technology I am able to connect to Walden University Network, to receive and share information and knowledge. I also utilize technology currently to create blogs, PowerPoint presentations, Videos and Mind maps.
Reference
“Constructivism (learning theory)”. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivism_(learning_theory)
Constructivist learning interven. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.noexcusessafetytraining.com/contruct.htm
Davis C, Edmunds, E, & Kelly-Bateman, V., 2008. Connectivism. Retrieved from Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives
on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved on April 16, 2011 from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?
Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4),
50–71.
Kim, B. (2001). Social constructivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), “Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology”. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism
Lim, C. P. (2004). Engaging learners in online learning environments. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 48(4), 16–23.
Online Learning theories | Cognitivism | Constructivism ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.about-elearning.com/learning-theories.html
