Learning Theories

Do humans learn using just one approach?

There are a plethora of learning theories and various approaches depicting the best approach to learning. There seems to be much debate over which theory, behaviorism or cognitivism is the most accepted approach to learning. As stated in the blog, Kerr (2007) questions –isms and if they are even necessary or if we should be more pragmatic and cherry pick different useful ideas from various theories. I think that the task being taught would direct the approach taken, knowing fully that actions, which are followed by rewards, are often repeated. Further, to determine that behaviorism is “dead” would debunk the current trend in generate and test, a core concept of behaviorism. Educators are given a guide (core content standards) and a timeline for covering the concepts, the students are tested.

Within a classroom environment, the teacher may utilize any given number if –isms throughout the day, including behaviorism (rewards, point systems, grades) and cognitivism (recognition, inference). It would seem that the most well rounded approach would incorporate a variety of theories to best accommodate the various learning styles and personalities of the students. For as Stephens (2007) stated, the learner is a complex information processing system and we as educators must be able to access that system and keep it functioning at the top of the game.

I concur with Kerr (2007) in that each –ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right. We need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively further creating a solid educational experience for our learners (Kapp, 2007).


References:

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and about: discussion on educational schools of thought. http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html

Kerr, B. (2007). _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved March 31, 2010, from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

The following are the two blogs I responded to this module.

http://sbreeden71.blogspot.com/ (Sherry Breeden)
http://holly-shumaker.blogspot.com/ (Holly Shumaker)

jane

EDUC 7105
Module 1
Metaphors of Educators

Siemens presents the changing role of the educator as the learning environment evolves into a digital wonderland, rich with technology but all too often leaving the students starving for knowledge. As participative tools grow in popularity, the autonomy of the learners and their control over access to information continues to increase (Siemens, 2008).

The metaphor that best describes the role an instructor should take in the classroom is that of educator as concierge. As presented by Bonk, the educator as a concierge directs the learners to resources of learning opportunities that they may not be aware of (Siemens, 2008). Students need to be guided through the process, especially in the elementary and middle school years as this is a new skill that can become overwhelming to many. An educator must be attune to the distinct needs of the students and provide guidance along the way. This guidance can be in the form of lectures, self exploration and collaboration. Because information is needed almost instantaneously at times, the role of the educator is to guide the students in exploring all the learning possibilities that are available because of the advancements in technology. Even though technology is advancing at break neck speed, the role of the educator will not be replaced, modified to incorporate the new, but not replaced.

References

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf.