Fitting the Pieces Together

 

Developing our understanding of how we learn as educators improves our understanding of how others learn. This blog reflects my perception of the learning theories, their application to my learning experiences and my utilization of technology when learning.

 

Reflection of my learning theories and styles

Now that I have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and styles my view on how I learn has deepened. I realize that I possess several multiple intelligences and learning styles such as verbal/linguistic intelligence, reading/writing learning styles, logical/mathematical intelligence, bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, kinesthetic/tactile learning style, visual learning style, and intrapersonal intelligence (Orey, 2010). 

People with verbal/linguistic intelligence and reading/writing skills are good communicators who understand and manipulate words and languages (Orey, 2010). I express myself easily, orally and written. I have logical intelligence and I am a tactile learner. Logical intelligence and tactile learners can perform tasks by organizing and information, dramatize, complete physical activities (Orey, 2010). I am a logical and tactile learner who enjoys planning and executing social or school events and role playing. Visual learners process information most effectively when the information is seen (Orey, 2010). Describe the setting of the room to me I may not get it at first but put it on paper and immediately I connect.

Orey (2010) explains that to possess intrapersonal skills one must be self-aware, and motivated. I know my strengths and I am mostly intrinsically motivated. I believe I possess if not all but most of the multiple intelligences that Michael Orey (2010) explains in his work but those that I mentioned here are the most prevalent based on my analysis of myself.

 A Comparison of the Learning Theories to my own Personal Learning Preferences

I also realize that as an adult learner, I am a constructivist learner, who also garners knowledge comfortably by networking and experience. Michael Orey (2010) describes social constructivists and connectivism as people who learn by society and culture, process information sourced through the digital world. I am a thinker who seeks meaning to information within my environment, networking, and the digital world. I love to plan in a diverse environment where information remains at my fingertips.

I am an adult learner who enjoys experiential learning (Orey, 2010). I reflect on the quote shared by one of the authors of Michael Orey’s (2010) article saying, “tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand (Confucius, circa 450 BCE).” Lectures appeal less to me but working on projects increases my understanding.  I love being integral in projects.

Infusion of Technology on my learning

Technology expands the learning classrooms beyond the walls of the traditional setting. and has placed information right at our fingertips. Actionable knowledge currently takes place within a database that connects sets of information and build knowledge (Siemens, 2005). I source information on the web, blogs, online books, journals, websites, news, media, and other application software to learn.

Technology provides more flexible and personalized learning opportunities for students (Reynolds, Chan, & Chu, 2020). Browsing the internet in my own time and pace gives me the opportunity to garner knowledge about topics, test concepts, and query information. We must be careful when selecting sources during the learning process.

Conclusion

I have a variety of learning styles, intelligence, and preferences. I am an adult learner who believes in the social constructivist and connectivism theory who learn by socialization, deleting obsolete information and networking. I believe education saves lives and mould behaviour. Importantly I believe understanding my learning abilities will influence my teaching strategies.

References

Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. 

Chapter 11, “On-line Adult Learning” Bruce Spencer

 

Ng, D. T. K., Reynolds, R., Chan, H. M. Y., Li, X. H., & Chu, S. K. W. (2020). Business (Teaching) as Usual Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Online Teaching Practice in Hong Kong. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 19, 775–802.

https://doi.org/10.28945/4620

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age, International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning,

2(1). http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm