An Investigation of Learning Theories

My views on learning have changed in a few ways. It is essential to look at learning from many different perspectives that work together to explain the complex intellectual processes involved in learning. There are helpful techniques to be learned from all of the learning theories throughout history, from Socrates to Prensky, and behaviorism to connectivism. Adult learning theory explains how adult learners are self-motivated, independent learners who focus on resolving issues that arise in their personal and professional lives (Conlan, Grabowski, & Smith, 2003).

In the past weeks, after reading about new learning theories, the theories that most describe my learning style are connectivism and adult learning. Those theories align with how I am a life-long, self-directed, self-motivated, and social learner. Connectivism helps explain today’s complex world of new problems and continuously changing information (Siemens, 2005). Living in the information age has changed how humans are learning (Siemens, 2005).

After reading research studies on how to apply social learning and adult learning principles, I have gained insight into which learning strategies that scientific evidence supports. Some of the most proven strategies for learning are dispersed practice with feedback, practice tests, and reflection (Dunlosky et al., 2013). Researchers found that online and blended learning are more effective than face-to-face learning alone (Means, Toyama, Murphy, & Jones, 2009). Researchers also found online learning to be more effective when it provides interaction and allows learners more control over what and how they learn (Means et al., 2009).

Technology helps me learn more because I can readily access information when I need it. Learning has become a part of peoples’ everyday lives, and we integrate it into our experiences with technology (Davis, Edmunds, and Kelly-Bateman, 2008). Technology, including the internet and social networks, provides knowledge and information that I can access quickly without having to remember it all. Then, I have more time and memory capacity available for more creativity and innovative thinking (Laureate Education, n.d.). Social networks and learning networks help learners locate new knowledge, which is a collective source of information that contains the most up-to-date information available on almost any topic. For example, I use an RSS feed to save online resources in categories instead of having to remember how to locate each resource. Now that I have learned about new learning technologies and theories on how to apply learning strategies, I can apply them to developing effective experiences for learners.

Conlan, J, Grabowski, S. & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://textbook equity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://textbook equity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf

Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Connectivism [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., & Jones, K. (2009). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, Policy and Program Studies Service. Retrieved from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=eD505824

 Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Design & Distance Learning, 2(1). Retrieved April 19, 2020 from https://jotamac.typepad.com/jotamacs_weblog/files/Connectivism.pdf

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