I think people learn best when they relate to the information and are able to apply it to some part of their life. Whether it is a skill they can use at work, or a theory that helps explain something that is part of their life. Learning has to have meaning or else it is memorization. This is why mnemonics is an effective learning strategy. People can create something that they can relate to that helps them learn a complex concept. I think this is why I believe in the constructionist theory as much as I do. I must admit that I never really knew much about learning theories until I started this degree. My MS was in Information Technology, so these concepts are very new to me. I have enjoyed reading about them because it gives meaning to what I do and how I do it. I believe that I've always used a constructionist approach without even realizing it. I try to develop my lessons and lectures that allow people to apply the information to something relevant to them. I've found that it makes lecture more interesting and learning more productive.
I liked all the metaphors that Siemens presented. It was fun to picture myself in each example to see if that fit my style. I liked the idea of being a network administrator, but I"m pretty sure that is because that is a real position that I can relate to. Which again leads to the idea that it has to be relevant to me as a learner. I"ve always seen myself as a facilitator or a devil's advocate in an online learning environment. I present the data, and encourage students to process that data and formulate their own understanding of the material. When they present their ideas, I like to challenge their responses and make them defend why they answered they way they did. I believe this makes them see a different side of the theory, and gain a well rounded perspective. It also lets me know that they really do understand the concept. Online learning allows students the advantage of reading responses and having the time to collect their thoughts and formulate a well thought out position. In a traditional F2F class, if a student doesn't think fast on their feet, they may not be able to actively engage in discussions and will lose some learning opportunities.
Reference
Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presen5ted to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf.
About Me
- Grace
- I'm 42 years old, I live in Sierra Vista, AZ. I have a diverse background. I've been fortunate enough to work in different fields both in and out of education. I have a BS and MS in Sport Administration. I worked as the Director of the Student Recreation Center for a college in PA. I've worked in the Keys as an Activity Coordinator; a bagel maker in PA; tech support in GA; and many other side endeavors. But through all these I'm proud to say I've found my absolute favorite job. I am full time faculty and just recently appointed CIS Department Chair for Cochise College in Arizona. I absolutely love my job and am grateful for every opportunity.
6 comments:
Well written Grace!
People can learn quicker when connections can be made to what they are learning. As we have seen in this week's topic of Behaviorism approach, I agree that the situations we find our selves in or the outcome we are looking to generate can best determine what approach of learning method should be used.
Lola
Grace,
As a relatively new Professor, I am still finding my style as a teacher. I find myself switching in and out of the different roles trying to see what works for me and the class. I would love to hear what works well for others!
Thank you,
Diane
Hello Grace!
Your writing is impressive! The use of mnemonics is definitely an effective learning strategy for all age and ability levels of learners. I am excited to see that teachers who teach adults use this strategy!
As an elementary teacher, I am always learning and teaching new strategies that my students can relate to, that will enhance their understanding. An interesting and informative Internet site I recently discovered that has blog and podcasts links on it, as well as a plethora of great learning theory information is http://www.missiontolearn.com/. If you have not seen it, check it out as a resource.
I also can truly appreciate and relate to your comment on if a student does not think fast on their feet, in a face-to-face class, they may not be actively engaged in discussions. This is truly one of the greatest fundamentals of online learning for me.
Thank you!
LeAnn
Diane,
I've been teaching for awhile, and I still don't think I have my teaching style "defined." A lot depends on the subject, and I'm usually adapting to the overall "feel" of the class. Sometimes I think teaching prepares me for my next career as a standup comic. I have to think on my feet and react to audience responses.
Do we ever really develop one style of teaching? If we do, do we stay the same or do we change as the times change? I sincerely hope that we never truly develop a style and that we continue to learn about ourselves and the needs of our students. I know that I have some tendencies, but they change depending on what students I'm teaching, what classes I'm teaching, and what I'm teaching in the class.
Hello,
I enjoyed reading your post. I agree that on-line learning gives you more time to put your ideas together. I have always been able to put my idea on paper easier than verbally sharing. In your statment about learning having meaning, isn't memorization learning too?
Post a Comment