RefUrsulaE

REFUrsulaE

Twenty years ago I studied about learning theories not as in-depth as now and I can testify that I was not so enthusiastic or flabbergasted about the subject as I am now. I have reflected on my teaching over the years and have seen some pluses but many negatives that have been done to students unintentionally. If I could only have these individuals return to childhood and re-teach them the result will certainly be different. However, this is impossibility, but I can make a difference with the students who I have now and will have in the future.

It was quite surprising to me when I learnt about encoding specificity. Ormrod,J., Schunk, D. & Gredler,M.(2008) wrote ,“Retrieval depends on the manner of encoding. According to the encoding specificity hypothesis, the manner in which knowledge is encoded determines which retrieval cues will effectively activate that knowledge.” P83.This was astounding for me because whenever I gave students information which could be recall sometimes later, I never paid close attention to encoding specificity. Another writer, (Baddeley,1998) in Ormrod et al stated that “the best retrieval cues match those present during learning.”

Another aspect which caught my attention was vygotsky zone of proximal Development. Even if I had heard about it before it only sank in deeply during this course. However I have had good experiences with this concept. Sometimes as educators we do things that are correct through trial and error or by instincts and only to find out that out there is a theory to fit the experience.

The ARCS model of motivation is another major piece of information that I appreciated and was delighted to have this knowledge. I will certainly use this model in my present job.

This course has deepened my understanding of my personal learning process by helping me to understand the importance of the social environment to learning. Kozulin(1986) in Ormrod et al(2008) states that, “ social activity is a phenomenon that helps explain changes in consciousness and establishes a psychological theory that unifies behavior and mind.” Also the cultural-historical aspects of Vygotsky’s theory had a great impact on me. Ormrod et al(2008) made this critical statement, “the way that learners interact with their worlds-with the persons, object and institutions in it –transforms their thinking.” p 191. This has proven true to me especially during this course with Walden. Reading my colleagues’ discussion post and blogs has broadened my thinking.

The learning theories that an individual subjects himself to, will dictate his or her learning style, and will also lead to suitable educational technology which enhance or promote the learning style. Ultimately that individual will be motivated when he she is aroused to act and is kept engaged in certain activities particularly when the response is based on what was learnt.

The concepts learnt in this course will certainly enhance my career in the field of instructional design. Having learnt the various learning theories, learning styles, educational technological tools to make learning more meaningful and appetizing, I am better able to design and plan instruction for learners.

The course was truly interactive, fruitful, enlightening and motivating. The materials used will come in handy in time to come and is already in use on my job.

  

 Reference

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson