Assignment: Reflection

 

Surprisingly, none of the learning theories that I have read about can unequivocally state how students learn and identify themselves as the ideal learning theory to be used within the classroom. This is because how students learn is a complicated process, and we all learn or process information in different ways. However, what was most surprising to me was how much of a Connectivist and Social learner I have become since being an adult. My mindmap assignment opened my eyes. I have not realized this before enrolling in this course. In the classroom today, we are advised to use student-centered teaching strategies. In my opinion, they all have some social and technological aspects involved in learning.

According to Ormrod et al. (2009), learning theories change over time, and learning is a continuous process that evolves as new things are discovered. I aligned myself with Social Constructivism Learning Theory in the first week of this course. However, as the weeks' progressed and I did more readings and completed more assignments, including the learning theory matrix and discussions with my classmates, I built on what I had learned prior and now have a better understanding of my learning process. I realized that Social Learning Theory, Connectivism, and Adult Learning Theory play an equal role based on what is happening in my life (professionally and personally). I now have a better understanding of how I learn and what influences affect my learning such as time, technology, and motivation.

Regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation, I have learned that they all work together to enhance students' classroom and e-learning experience. Furthermore, this course emphasizes why I must understand my learning process before effectively understanding others. I have completed several courses online and in the traditional classroom, and they all have Keller's (2008) principles of motivation and the ARCS model of motivation. Thus I must keep in mind that in order for learning to occur, I must tap into students’ prior knowledge and then introduce new knowledge and concepts, make the information within the course relevant, create assignments and class activities challenging but attainable, develop clear objectives for the different courses, allow for collaboration and group work, and most importantly, remembering that motivation is the driving force for students especially adults learners to complete courses where its online or within the traditional classroom setting.

My learning in this course will help me as I further my career in the field of instructional design by keeping in mind that all students do not learn the same way and their learning styles will change based on what is being taught and how the course is designed similar to my own. I better understand the different learning styles, learning theories, and multiple intelligences. With this understanding, I will be able to create attractive, engaging, and informative content. I believe this course has enhanced my knowledge, skills, and ability concerning assessment and learning. 

 

References

Keller, J. (2008). An Integrative Theory of Motivation, Volition, and Performance. Technology, Instruction, Cognition & Learning, 6(2), 79–104.

Keller, J. M. (2008). First principles of motivation to learn and e3-learning. Distance Education, 29(2), 175–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587910802154970

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