So where do I fit into all this, how do I approach these theories, which theory best suits my cause? Is there one, or is there many? My argument outlines the three learning theories and how they should not be utilised solely but used as a whole experience to better serve our learners as they develop their lilfelong learning skills.
The Objectivist Approach (Behaviourism); show, do, reward. If we were to solely employ this learning theory, as educators we could in fact be limiting our learners ability to explore, to be brave enough to look for the answers, to be courageous to learn from others. Pavlov's "Classical Conditioning" compares it to training a dog, to respond to a prompt. Whereas Skinner's "Operant Conditioning" rewards the learner (positive/negative) encouraging to move forward or in some cases, reflecting before continuing. The theory in itself does not have to be in a face-to-face environment and teacher-centred. It could be through the use of YouTube, video or peer learning. Rewards could be in the form of a quiz, peer evaluation, learners critique.
Cognitivism: the mental process, scaffolding. Gagne's 9 Step of learning describes; firstly elevate the learner's interest to what is about to happen, followed by an explanation of the purpose, it is then related to what has been achieved already, given some material to build on what has been learnt, guided by the facilitator, prompted on performance, given feedback (positive/negative), assessed on the performance and finally how can the learner use this new found knowledge elsewhere. The learner starts from the minor detail, and develops their understanding. The mind is able to adapt to the new knowledge learnt. This learning can be achieved through students building their knowledge from what is learnt to where to from here. Giving the learner clear instructions will help them to scaffold their knowledge.
Constructivism: learner's own experiences. Mozur changed his lecture style, from teaching to helping students learn. Harasim suggests the learner is actively involved in the learning through their experiences. von Glaserfield argues the background and culture of the learner influences their perception of the experience.
Lets' look at Cognitive Constructivism and how an interpretation of our experiences could differ and result in a changed perception (or not).
How safe are shopping centres?
One learner experienced a hold up at their local shopping centre.
Their perception of "safety of shopping centres" would differ invariable to a learner who has shopped with ease. Is their interaction in this discussion of benefit, and how will their experience change the perception of others, if at all?
Then there is Social Constructivism, where individuals construct meanings through interacting with their peers and the environment in which we place them.
Problem solving, based on the learners past experiences will come into play. Discussion and collaboration starts to evolve and the learning evolves. As educators we are required to guide the learning.
In context to my teaching environment, how are we employing these teaching theories and equipping our learners to become independent learners.
The shift in TAFE, particularly the Business and Finance Faculty has been towards Student-centred learning. Student-centred learning allows students to actively participate in discovery learning processes from an autonomous viewpoint. Students spend the entire class time constructing a new understanding of the material being learned in a proactive way. (1)
Buildings have been refurbished to include Business Centres. Learners can attend any Business Centre, at a time that suits, and drive their own learning (self-directed). Whether this be in collaboration, Moodle, textbooks, etc. The educator's role is to facilitate only. Many questions are raised if this will work.
As a result, it has become paramount that our online design incorporates all of the theories. Learners are not necessarily required to complete all readings, activities, etc. They are able to choose their learning experience, the required end result is competent.
My beliefs are strong on learning theories, I believe as an educator we must cater for all learning styles, whether it be visual, auditory, kinesthetic or a combination. We must identify how a visual learner will learn in the social constructivist setting, when they learn through seeing, whether it be a step-by-step instruction, through maps, pictures, etc. And how will the kinesthetic learner evolve, if they cannot touch or move? Let alone the auditory learner, who would much prefer the lecture. Alot of thought and consideration is required when developing material for solely online learning, and all theories can be utilised to benefit all our learners.
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student-centred_learning,viewed 30 March 2014
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