Initially as I began my investigation into learning theories I believed that it was possible to classify learners according to learning theory and then design instructional modules that would support that type of learner. If only the application of learning theories were that clear cut and guaranteed the success of the student! For example, I considered myself to be a cognitive and constructivist learner as those theories best aligned with how I learn, even though they were not an exact fit. I made that self-diagnosis based a quick review of learning theories and willingly labeled and placed myself in a neat little box. A box that probably does not reflect how I learned in the past and may not reflect how I will learn in the future. As I delved deeper into the vast array of learning theories I have to ask myself, “Is it necessary to classify learners by learning type?”
From my research, I believe that it is not possible to fully categorize students by a specific learning theory and probably a mistake to try. Trying to put a student in a neat little box with a label that shows their learning strengths and weaknesses stunts their ability to grow beyond the label. As an educator I would not want to suppress or paralyze a learner’s potential by labeling. An example of trying to label students in the past is intelligence testing. According to Dr. Ormrod we should use “Learning Strategies” rather than learning types to create effective learning experiences for all learners. (Ormrod, 2009) I think that each individual learner reflects multiple learning strategies and those strategies may evolve and change throughout their lives. The combination of cultural background, personality, life experiences, desire, and educational goals make each individual a unique learner. It is more important to learn the concepts, pros and cons of each learning theory and retain what techniques will maximize the learning for every student. “Designers must have an adequate repertoire of strategies available, and possess the knowledge of when and why to employ each.” (Ertmer and Newby, 1993) Today’s technology facilitates instructional design that supports all learning strategies. The internet assists us in building networks to people, places and information. Collaborative software allows us to socially interact and learn with geographically remote locations. Audio, video, and in the future virtual reality allow us to provide sensory and interactive experiences for our learners. In the next few years adaptive learning technology will come into its prime and allow full personalization of the learning experience. “Adaptive technology can follow a student’s progress as they work and recognize which concepts they’ve mastered and in which areas they need further instruction. The software app will then offer additional lessons on a subject until the student gains mastery.” (DeLoatch et al., 2015) By utilizing learning strategies that allow us to enhance transfer such as elaboration, applied knowledge, and comprehension reinforcement we can create learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners. (Ormrod, 2009) Do you think that learner’s should be identified by learning type? Share your thoughts! References DeLoatch, P., Hicks, K., Ronan, A., Staff, E., Levy, L. and Muthler, S. (2015) The Benefits of Adaptive Learning Technology. Available at: http://www.edudemic.com/how-adaptive-learning-technology-is-being-used-in-online-courses/ (Accessed: 14 October 2015). Ertmer, P. A. and Newby, T. J. (1993) ‘Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective’, Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), pp. 50–72. doi: 10.1111/j.1937-8327.1993.tb00605.x. Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Learning styles and strategies [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu NMC Horizon Report > 2015 Higher Education Edition (2013) Available at: http://www.nmc.org/publication/nmc-horizon-report-2015-higher-education-edition/ (Accessed: 14 October 2015). Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.
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Stacy SpringerWelcome to my blog! I am passionate about great Instructional Design and Educational Technology. Let's start a discussion! Archives
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