Fitting the Pieces Together

When training to be a teacher, I was taught to tailor my lessons to each learning style: visual, kinesthetic and auditory.  I have spent the last few weeks exploring different learning styles and my view on how students (and myself) learn has expanded significantly. 

Gilbert and Swanier (2008) tell us “learning styles actually fluctuate within subject or lesson” (p. 29).  Where for one lesson, a child in my class may use a Cognitive approach to learning – storing something in short-term memory and transferring it to long term memory for later use, they may in the same lesson be using Behaviorism where they may be learning (and unlearning) through reinforcers and punishments and at the same time be using the Constructivist approach where they “create their own meaning rather that acquire it” (Ertmer and Newby, 1993).  I realize that, as challenging as it may be to meet each child’s learning style in my class at all times, it is important for me to design my lessons and classroom environment in a way that fosters and embraces all learning styles and that I must be flexible in my instruction.  This is a much different teaching style than when I joined a classroom 10 years ago, but the learning buzz that can be heard in this accommodating classroom is great motivation for both teacher and student.  Brown (2003) states, “when students’ learning preferences match their instructor’s teaching styles, student motivation and achievement usually improve” (p. 1).  The classroom I began in has changed significantly and continues to change at a rapid pace each year due to technology and I find that I often learn alongside my students each day.  An example of this - a Google search of an interesting animal brought up during a class discussion.  I embrace technology in my classroom and it makes a significant impact on my students’ enthusiasm and attention span. 

As I reflect on my own preferred learning theory, I realize that I relate closely to the Social Learning Theory and to Connectivism.  As you can see in my previous blog post, my mind map shows different learning influences in my life and many of them are other people, the environment or technology.  When exploring the Cognitive learning theory, I learnt that my short-term memory was quite weak and this may be one of the reasons I lean towards the Connectivist theory, where “learning is stored and manipulated by technology” (Siemens, 2009).  The instantaneity of information at my fingertips through multiple electronic devices is something that I embrace fully in my job, academic and personal life. 

I think one of the most important things that I have leanred is that we all learn in different ways and that each learner also embraces many different styles.  This is quite insightful for me in my role as an educator and as a learner.  I must continue to be flexible in my approach as I fulfill both roles. 

References:

Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C. (2008). Learning styles: How do they fluctuate? Institute for Learning Styles Journal [Vol. l]. Retrieved from http://www.auburn.edu/~witteje/ilsrj/Journal%20Volumes/Fall%202008%20Volume%201%20PDFs/Learning%20Styles%20How%20do%20They%20Fluctuate.pdf

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993).  Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50-71.

Brown, B. (2003). Teaching Style vs. Learning Style. Myths and Realities. (Report No- 26). Retrieved from ERIC database (ED482 329)

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Connectivism. [Transcript]. [with George Siemens] Retrieved from Walden University.