How do we Learn?

 

This blog reflects my personal learning experience as an Instructional Designer. I will share the information that broadened my understanding of the learning process, the connections between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation, and how it will assist in my instructional design skills.

It is fascinating to think that learning theories from the 1800s is applicable to the digital age. Technology has certainly influenced the way people learn hence theories and teaching styles have evolved. New information is continually being acquired and the ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information is vital (Orey, 2010). Educators must equip themselves with strategies to deal with technologically savvy learners because technology and networking have expanded the accessibility of information.

After reviewing the learning theories and relating their approaches to my personal learning, this course has shown me that I build on knowledge. The constructionism theory sees learners as active builders of knowledge. Although learners can construct and present knowledge or meanings without producing external products, the processes of construction are more evident when learners produce through social interaction with others and share representations of their understanding and thoughts (Papert, 1991, p.3). I love to develop new skills through social interactions, at my job, or community service. I am an adult learner who finds joy in completing community projects or work-related projects and actively seeks new ideas in completing tasks. 

Learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation are factors that must be managed by teachers. For over 20 years it was suggested that there could be connections between brain function and educational practice (Jensen, 2008). The theories focus on different aspects of learning, educators must strategically meet learning preferences. Educators should motivate learners in the digital age by using the relevant motivating factors.

After reviewing the book by Michael Orey (2010) the connection to the learning theories is evident. Adult learning is developed over time with a blend of concepts from the theories. Knowledge is attained by repeating tasks that are accumulated in our memory, developing new ideas, networking, socializing, and relating to our experiences. While this is how people attain information, teaching strategies must cater to learning preferences to gain the attention of students. These activities must be managed by educators who understand the motivating factors of learners. The school environment, including the specific instructional techniques teachers use, definitely does have an impact on students’ desire to learn and achieve in the classroom (Brophy, 2004; J. T. Guthrie et al., 2004; Reeve, 2006, pg. 249). Motivating factors impact effective learning processes which must be endorsed by educators for success.

This course has developed my understanding of how the brain works, motivational factors to learning, and ways of infusing technology in the classroom. Educators must engage strategies based on principles derived from the learning process (Jensen, 2008). I will ensure that content is developed from simple to complex tasks and that learning strategies are used to engage learners as they acquire new principles. Just like in this course where information starts from simple concepts and gradually develops as we apply the principles learned. Importantly the course also taught me tips in motivating learners for example giving deadlines to complete assignments and providing trackers for students to remain aware of their progress. The Edutopia websites, blogs, wikis, and Virtual Reality applications will also be used to engage learners as concepts are taught. In closing this is a meaningful course that has expanded my understanding of how people learn, the influences of learning, and how these are transferred.

 References

Jensen, E. P. (2008b, October). A Fresh Look at Brain-Based Education. Eric P. Jensen: A fresh look at brain-based education - teachers.net gazette. https://www.teachers.net/gazette/OCT08/jensen/

Greder, J.E.O.D.H.S.M. E. ([Insert Year of Publication]). Learning Theories and Instruction

XML Vital Source ebook for Laureate Education. Pearson Learning Solutions. 

https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781256289302

Orey, M. (2010). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and Technology. CreateSpace.