Week 1 Reflection

To be a good learning manager we need to have an understanding of how learners learn.

Learning Styles

Most educators recognise that all learners are individuals and all have preferred methods of learning. Usually, learners have a mix of these preferred learning styles and some have a dominant style.

These styles can change within individuals depending on the task. It is also possible to develop our less dominant styles.

 

Multiple Intelligences Test

In the following model, there are eight learning styles used. These are:

Visual/spatial: Prefers using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

•Musical: Prefers using sound and music.

•Linguistic: Prefers using words, both in speech and writing.

•Kinaesthetic: Prefers using their body, hands and sense of touch.

•Logical: Prefers using logic, reasoning and systems.

·  Naturalistic: Enjoys working with and understands nature and environment.

•Interpersonal: Prefers to learn in groups or with other people.

•Intrapersonal: Prefers to work alone and use self-study.

The following model was created for myself using the questionnaire found here: http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/index.htm

This model shows me that I am predominantly a Logical and Kinaesthetic learner, which explains why I have chosen to study maths and Manual Arts! Knowing what a learners learning styles are can enable us to consider the way in which we present learning materials to ensure that individual needs are met.

 

Learning Theories

Although, there are many theories on learning, I will be discussing behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism and connectivism

Behaviourism  

John B Watson is often considered the father of behaviourism. It is centred on Behavioural Psychology. Behaviourism is based on the concept that behaviours can be measured, trained and changed. This theory is also based upon the idea that behaviours can be acquired through conditioning and this occurs through interactions with our environment.

It studies behaviours in a systematic and observable manner as it is suggested that other states such as cognition, emotions and moods are subjective. It is argued that behaviourism is one dimensional and doesn’t account for different types of learning.

Cognitivism

Cognitivism is a theory that thought processes determine human behaviours. This is often described as information processing.

This process is when information is picked up by the senses and transferred into memory. It this information is not used immediately, it is discarded, if it is perceived to be important, it goes into short term memory. If this information is reinforced and linked to other ideas, it becomes stored in long term memory.

It could be described as the acquisition of problem solving abilities with intelligence and conscious thought.

Social Constructivism

In this learning process, modelling and scaffolding by a teacher is important. Social Constructivists maintain that social interaction has a large influence on learning and the support of others helps to construct new knowledge. This can be in the form of explicit modelling, collaboration and internalising of new knowledge.

A Constructivist teacher facilitates and encourages learning by engaging learners in interesting activities. They also guide students and encourage them to tackle problems and challenges that are often linked to real life situations.

Social constructivism can be supported in many ways by Information Technology. Tools such as email, wiki, blogs and more, can provide pathways to encourage discussion, debate and dialogue, all which can assist in the social construction of meaning. Simulations can be used to put real world activities in context.

 

Connectivism

Connectivism is the digital age learning theory. It is the idea that learning can come from many different sources and that knowing where to find information is more important than knowing the information. Information can be obtained from the community a network or a database.

I have enjoyed going back over the information that we have touched on in previous subjects. For myself, rewriting the information is a method I like to use remember and get a greater understanding of what we are covering.