Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Module 2- Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

As I was reviewing the selected readings for this module, there are several things in which etched in my mind. Karl Kapp stated that “learning is not one thing,” He went on to say that it is a “layered word that tends to get treated as if it were just one thing… and it’s not” (2007). That is a very powerful statement.

AS I think about my chosen profession, an educator, it is hard for me to not make the personal connection on this topic at hand. It is such a rewarding and difficult task to educate the minds of others. However, the difficulty comes with the various learning styles. How can you reach each child? How can you ensure that each child is obtaining the subject matter at hand? How does each child learn? The answer to these questions are ones in which can not be directly answered.

AS an educator, do I follow the cognitive theory or do I follow some of the other theories? I must admit, I do not directly have an answer for that. It is my opinion that a human mind is too complex to pin point one learning theory in which to follow. Therefore, a combination of all theories are needed in order to educate one individual. This is my theory for not only the learning of my students but for myself. We are too complex as humans to be limited to one learning theory. So I ask the question, how can you decipher which learning theory is best suitable for an individual?

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and About: discussion on educational schools of thought. Retrieved from http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html.

Kerr, B. (2007, January 2). _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

How Individuals Learn Best?

There are various ethnicities. There are several genders. There are even numerous religious beliefs. In addition, there are several origins. All of these characteristics describe the diversity of individuals all around us. However, the diversity does not stop there. The way individuals learn and process information varies. When I ponder upon the idea of how people learn best, these factors come into play.

From visual maps, graphs, and charts, to lecturing and note taking, every individual has their own blueprint for learning. Tapping into the individualized learning of each individual will maximize the learning experience of each person. However, collaboratively, individuals learn best when they can relate information to their everyday lives. When this occurs, true learning is taking place!