The study of the various learning styles has expanded my understanding of learning and how I learn. I initially felt that I learned best using a combination of theories with emphasis on constructivism. I still feel that I do learn best that way, but now I understand that as an adult learner, I probably learn best through connectivism. Siemens (2005) describes several principles of connectivism that fit right into my learning style.
1. " Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions." - The more viewpoints I am able to gather information on, the more likely I am able to make a good decision.
2 . "Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources." - I use many different information sources to inform my decisions. My network shows a lot of different sources.
3. "Learning may reside in non- human appliances." - I use TV, Radio, Computer, and iPad as I gather and use information. I spend a lot of time searching and looking for information online. I keep finding information. Sometimes I never do find what I am looking for, but I always learn something else in the process of searching.
4. "Capacity to know more is more critical than what is currently known" - I feel that curiosity fits directly into this as well. I am always wanting to know more or learn more that what I currently know. Perhaps this is where I have difficulty in teaching my students, I expect them to have the curiosity as well, but I need to realize not all people have this capacity.
5. "Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill." - This is something that I constantly try to instill in my students in the classroom. I try to show them how things are all connected - math, science, history, reading, writing, etc. I know that many of them are not ready to listen to this, but hopefully the message will eventually get through.
6. " Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities." - This ties directly into #2 above - with connected "nodes" one is able to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information.
7. "Decision-making is itself a learning process. Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality. While there is a right answer now, it may be wrong tomorrow due to alterations in the information climate affecting the decision." - This should be something everyone should understand in terms of learning. Humans learn as they struggle and make mistakes. What you think is correct now, may change when you receive more or better information. This is another skill I try to practice with my students, many times they are unwilling to make a decision or look at the information to make a best decision. Adolescents are really stubborn sometimes.
Since I am an adult learner, there are several aspects of adult learning that affect my ability to be successful. I don't know if this would be categorized as how I learn, but it is a factor in the learning process. With adult learners responsibilities (like family) and situations (like your job) play a role in how effectively one can focus on studying during the learning process. Prior experiences in learning and memory declination affect the ability to process information (Conlan, Grabowski & Smith, 2003). I do now understand some of my learning issues in terms of storing and recalling information. I need to take to heed some of the recommendations for using technology in a cognivitist role and use the computer and iPad to create concept maps and organizers as I read information (Pitler, Hubbell, Kkuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This will provide an opportunity for information to be processed, encoded and eventually elaborated upon (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler, 2009). If anyone has ideas to help, please let me know.
With my personal learning network that includes individuals, print sources, video and various digital materials. I find that technology plays more and more of a role in the process. I find that writing information down on paper is starting to become cumbersome, as I am unable to locate the information easily. Hopefully, I will become more adept at using mobile devices for recording and storing information on the fly. I hopefully can pass this on to my students in the classroom as well (maybe they can help me learn a new way of doing it as we learn.)
References:
Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Adult_Learning
Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
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