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.
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Your thoughtful writing reflects what effective teachers do to reach and teach their students. Your voice expresses the importance of evaluating and planning based on indivdiual learning plans.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your comments about accomodating learning styles using a variety of strategies imposed by various learning theories. It is hard to imagine teaching without using the procedures and implementation plans of learning theory. The reinforcement suggested by behaviorism is an excellent example of appropriate methods to improve the educational environment. My experience is that in order for reinforcement to work, students must expect a reward for correct responses. Many teachers disagree with this technique, but I have been more successful with rewards than punishment, how about you?
About the video, I have mixed thoughts on that. I feel that kids are too often engaged in technology for free-time and fail to recognize the real aspects of life and how to develop a working memory. Technology has its place, but I don't feel as if it is the only way to reach our younger generation. They must also be taught acts of love so that our world flourishes instead of getting trapped in a lonely, self-centered environment. I just think the video places to much emphasis on technology as the reason why education is slipping. It is coming from the lack of educational value taught in the media and at home, not because a teacher fails to use computers correctly. Of course, that is my opinion. :)
Wonderful Read,
Marci
Joanne Said:
ReplyDeleteI believe that people learn more from their environment. Children are like aliens to me they learn from many stimuli that are in the immediate environment. Children and adult learners learn from touching, feeling, experimentation, exploring and questioning? There are many learning theories; however, Driscoll (2005) definition of learning is “a persisting changes in performance potential that result from experience and interaction with the world” (p.1). A theory of learning to me, include asking questions and exampling the answers. Or by exploring different ideas through the use of a hypothesis and step by step examination of the hypothesis and coming to a conclusion. Enjoyed reading your post.
Joanne
Powerful analogy, powerful video! Your analogy about basketball says alot about how we relate and work with our students. Learning about them before we teach them gives us a better opportunity to be successful. The video says alot about how 21st students need to be taught. We need to meet them where they are technologically. The 19th century classroom along with its techniques is not working for a majority of our students. Your post is superb!
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