Reflections

Learning Theories and Instruction Reflection




This course has provided me to a great deal of knowledge about the various learning styles and theories. In the beginning, I believed that we learned only through auditory, kinesthetic, or visual. At that time, I knew that I was a visual learner because I had to see the message before me in order to grasp it, though I thought. Through our resources, I learned that everyone learns in each of the ways mentioned, depending on the message, environment, and individual delivering the message. I also was surprised by the amount of theories that were involved in the way we learned. I learned that my learning style tend to follow the cognitive and constructivism theories. This means that I’m a process learner, almost like building blocks in my mind. I must be able to logically connect initial information to the next in order for an understanding to take place. In addition to following a logical process, I’ve learned that I’m also able to process information through interactions with others. I must be able to find reasoning behind what I’m learning through my peers or environment, in order for the information to resonate. I realized this I thinking about how I handle new tasks on the job. It always seemed to come easy to me, I believe because of the relevance of the information being taught.

I once believed that I retained information primarily through repetition. However, Dr. Ormrod educated me on the fact that the information that I was repeating to remember, was only being stored in short term memory, which would be forgotten or not recallable when needed over time. I learned that multiple methods of learning were more effective, such as a course with visual and auditory mechanisms. Information given in multiple methods tend to be more effective because information is given over and over in different ways increasing the chance of at least one method triggering the LTM. I learned that rehearsal storage will only work in limited situations according to Dr. Ormrod.

Prior to this course, I did not understand the various “ism” and the most effective order of usage. I learned through Standridge’s article, that Behaviorism is best fit for beginning courses, entry level learners because it focuses a great deal on making a connection through observation, positive and negative reinforcements, and repetition. In this article, Kerr states, “It seems to me that each ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right.” I believe that although theorist have not found a way to effectively bring the valuable theories together, as an ID, it’s important and useful to understand each ism and how to effectively draw from each to build an effective learning experience. Dr. Ormrod discussed the Terminal Behavior approach which discussed the most effective way in determining which theories will be utilized in creating the learning experience, but also in determining the most effective reinforcements to use in obtaining the desired learning outcome. This course has taught me that the most effective use of theories for instructional design should be Behaviorist, learning through observation, memory, and reinforcement. Next would be Cognitive, applying logic to what is already know/learned, as well as applying reasoning behind what is being learned. Then in my opinion, either Constructivism or Social learning would be equally beneficial because both deal with engaging with others using what is already known, and/or modeling others. Then broadening your knowledge through networks, or social technology which is Connectivism. In order for this to work, learners must have a strong initial understanding of the topic to constructively communicate, or connect with their networks.

I know have an understanding of how to utilize the three adult learning experiences when designing material. The experiential learning style is learning through doing. It is an extremely effective learning style because it forces individuals to have actual hands on experience as they are learning. The best example of this is simulation, which is typically utilized in system training. Next, there is Project Based Learning which focuses on group collaboration. This is style forces individuals to be leaders, even which could lead to negative results for those that are not strong in leadership roles. This would not be good for introverts because it takes them completely out of their comfort zone. Now, if this is the goal, perfect! If not, it could demonstrate a false truth in those individuals’ actual abilities. Lastly, there is Self-directed learning. This type of learning is obtained solely through life experiences. This method tends to keep individuals too much in their comfort zones, not allowing for a challenge. If the goal is to challenge an individual, this would not be an effective learning method.

In conclusion, I have learned a great deal about my learning styles and how to effectively take all other styles in consideration when developing material. I’m now a follower of Keller’s ARCS Model, and plan to apply it along with Song’s logic when designing and developing future material.



References:

References:

Standridge, M. (2001). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology

Dr. Jeanne Ormrod “Learning Theories and Instruction”

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

Learning Theories and Instruction