Learning and Learning Theory

What are your beliefs about how people learn best?

Learning is best accomplished when individuals and groups are motivated to learn and the presentation of information addresses individual learning styles and intelligences. This motivation includes the desire to accomplish a goal, or respond to an interest (something that is enjoyed), or a combination of factors that (often) leads to the most effective learning. The logical, orderly manner in which information is usually presented is sometimes not adequate to allow student mastery. Learning styles (visual, kinesthetic, auditory, etc…) must also be considered when preparing information for presentation.  Learning styles often overlap with and are thought to be closely related to individual types of intelligence. There are eight different types of intelligence, seven originally observed by Howard Gardner (linguistic, musical, spatial, etc…) and an eighth established by Jane Goodall’s work with primates (interspecies or naturalist intelligence).

What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

Learning theory in educational technology serves as a set of guidelines for the establishment of effective practices in the presentation of information. These guidelines are meant to optimize student knowledge acquisition by answering individual learning needs. The elements of motivation and inspiration within students are often ignited by instructors who have addressed individual learning styles and requirements, making the learning process much more palatable.


References:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Fleming, G. (2010). Know and use your personal learning style. Homework/Study Tips. Retrieved from http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/learningstyle.htm.

Smith, K. (2008). Howard Gardner, Multiple intelligences and education. The Encyclopaedia of Informal Education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm.

Wilson, L. (1997). The eighth intelligence :Naturalistic intelligence. Newer Views of Learning. University of Wisconsin at Steven’s Point. Retrieved from http://www.uwsp.edu/education/lwilson/learning/natintel.htm.

Wilson, L. (1998). What’s the big attraction? Why teachers are drawn to using multiple intelligence theory in their classrooms. New Horizons for Learning. John Hopkins University. Retrieved from http://education.jhu.edu/newhorizons/strategies/topics/mi/wilson1.htm.