Module 2

"We need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively.... Cognitivism doesn't explain 100% how humans process information and neither does Constructivism or Behaviorism" (Kapp, 2007). Theorist have forced society to determine which theory "fits best",even though each have characteristics of one another. Politics, Kerr used the right word to describe learning theories. It is a big debate determining which theory best explains learning. Each theorist reviewed previous findings of past theorist and based their results off their personal opinions. Everyone thinks and display their knowledge differently. I guess the picture society is painting is that anyone can create a learning theory by: conducting an experiment (on animals), present results, and ensure that ism is at the end of the word. If determining how learning takes place was that simple, why is it that there are not many geniuses (kid wonders) walking around? I mean if these theories are the key to brain functioning, a parent could wire/train their child(ren) to function according to these simple rules/steps of the theorist.

Lets take a look at education, since these theories are very beneficial in this field of study/profession. In an eduational setting, especially online, an instructor does not know the mental capabilties of his or her students. Most people can process information rapidly while others cannot. The ones who continue to display trouble cognitively are labeled (as having a learning disability); but whoever thought that maybe the teacher was not presenting the information in a way that sparks interest of the student? The instructor must adapt the lesson to the discretion of learner (by including multipleteaching strategies to meet individualized need) in order for the learning to be meaningful.

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences provides great insight on how intelligences can be measured according to the strength of the individual and not by IQs. Howard Gardner argues that the big challenge facing the deployment of human resources is how to best take advantage of the uniqueness conferred on us as a speies exhibiting several intelligences (Smith, 2008). Every individual possess different strengths and weaknesses. I possess skills and talents that my siblinings, of the same genetic background, do not. Does that mean one sibiling is smarter than the other?


Please read this blog:

September 15, 2005 What's wrong with established theories of learning?
http://connectivism.ca/blog/learning-theories/


Sources:

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and about: discussion on educational school of thoughts. Retrieved on March 26, 2010 from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Smith, M. (2008). Howard gardne, multiple intelligences and education. Retrievedon March 27, 2010 from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm

Module 1 Assignment

I feel that individuals learn best when educators incorporate multiple (at least 3) learning styles/components within their instructional presentation. This particular approach does not single out one particular learning style as the best, but ensures that the learner has the opportunity to grasp the content in various methods. Educators can better understand their students by presenting an interest survey at the beginning of each course. This technique guarantees that the educators receive vital information (disabilities, learning styles, etc) about their students to ensure that their educational needs are met throughout the duration of the course.

A learning theory is a set of constructs linking observed changes in performance with what is thought to bring about those changes (Driscoll, 2005). The purpose of learning theories in educational technology is for educators to provide difficult academic skills in a simple format. Educational technology presents educational material in formats that is an attention grabber and meets the needs of the learner. This system also allows the learner to receive immediate scoring and reinforcement. Reinforcement in return, improves the attitude and mastery of skills. The basic assumption, no matter what the particulars of an instructional situation, is that effective instruction is informed by theories of learning (Driscoll, 2005).

The analogy I present about learning deals with basketball. At the beginning of the season, you have new individuals join the team. Each player brings something unique to the team that can contribute to success. Before the season starts, the coach has an individual player's meeting with each player and explain their role on the team, what they can do to better themselves, and how to remain a team player throughout the trial and tribulations. The player in return can either take the constructive criticism to better themselves or ignore it and think they have all the answers. In the end, the distractions will leave and the ones who want help will receive help. The point of this analogy is that everyone in a classroom is very different in many ways. A teacher must conduct research on their student's history, provide extra assistance, and give consistant feedback to help each student reach their potential. Although you may not move a F student to an A, a move from F to a C will boast moral and self esteem towards learning.

A vision for students today, by Michael Wesch

http://infosthetics.com/archives/2007/10/digital_ethnography_vision_of_students_today_movie.html

(Click or type the link in the browser to view the video)

This particular video was very interesting. Instead of trying to find psychologists and educators view point on learning, I targeted my search on the students’ (the most vital components in an educational setting) opinions in the learning process. This video allows students to express their feelings and emotions when it comes to instructional material within an educational setting and the many challenges a student faces in education. If the walls of a classroom could actually talk, what would you think they would say? Watch this video please!

Sources:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Welcome

Just want to welcome everyone to my page. Good luck throughout this course and if I can assist you in any way, feel free to ask.

Thank you,

Nikisha