The following is my exploration, through questions and answers of my learning progression throughout the Learning Theories Instruction course at Walden University.

Q: Now that you have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, how has your view on how you learn changed?

A: I have now completed week 7. The very first discussion we had, week 1, asked us to reflect on how we best learn and the theories we are most aligned with. My answer still stands as is but, I would add to it. During this discussion I stated that:

My preferred theoretical approach to learning is constructivism. I enjoy creating my own links and mental models rather than having them fed to me through the instructional process. I thoroughly enjoy linking my past experiences, both good and bad, to my newly learned skills. Transfer for me happens by practicing authentic, real world tasks, not hypothetical, role-playing tasks. I firmly believe that the more complex the skills being taught, the more the learner’s context shapes what they assimilate and what they reject within the learning.

What I would add to this statement, after further study and research, is how important the role of the learner is in shaping their learning. I think I knew that before, but didn’t see the magnitude of that for adult learners. The adult learner is in full control of what they chose to take in, assimilate, agree with and reject. During facilitated learning this is critical that the instructor understands this and works to relay the “what’s in it for me” for the learners. Flexibility is essential for the adult learner.

Q: What have you learned about the various learning theories and learning styles over the past weeks that can further explain your own personal learning preferences?

A: Delving into behaviorism was interesting because I found it to be narrow focused and more teacher centric. When I have had an instructor use more of the techniques in behaviorism, I am more frustrated, bored, and insulted. This theory seems more suited for children and less for adults. I do understand that repetition of behavior allows the learner to create patterns that are repeatable, but it is not my preferred method of learning.

• I align with the adult learning principles that Malcolm Knowles created:
• I am autonomous and self-directed
• I love being encouraged to bring my knowledge and experience into new learning situations.
• I want the learning to be relevant – this is a little more flexible for me – relevance can simply relate to an interest in the subject, not solely on whether or not it’s usable.

Q: What role does technology play in your learning?

A: Having grown up with little to no technology and now using it every day, allows me a unique perspective over younger learners. I grew up with Encyclopedia Britannica and now I have Wikipedia and the entire internet at my fingertips. This has changed learning as we know it. More information is available than ever before. Instructors can’t make inaccurate declarative statements in class without a student contradicting their information. Learning is happening more frequently and casually than ever before. The ability to look something up on a smart phone, to research which actor was in what movie, and to watch a YouTube video to learn how to play the guitar or paint a wall allows learning to happen rapidly and constantly. Webinars can be viewed on a cell phone. Workers can review critical procedures, just-in-time while out in the field. 3D printers allow surgeons to conduct complex, one of a kind procedures with more assurance. I am able to freely publish a blog. The possibilities are endless. I am learning all the time because of technology and I love it.