Learning about Learning

As in all things in life, I don't think there is an absolute theory/solution. I think each individual learns in a variety of ways depending on the age, subject matter, and conditions at the time. If a student is trying to learn something very new; then their learning style would be different then if they are learning a new step in a familiar process. For example, learning subtraction after learning addition would be a specific learning style versus learning your first foreign language.

However, I do believe that overall the learning styles of our youth are different then how they learned 20 years ago. And one of the major reasons for this is based upon technology. Generations ago, a child learned by reading and listening to adults talk about a subject. Thus, they learned to learn in a passive mode. However, the youth of today are playing video games at such a young age, not to mention the educational videos and TV, that they have learned to learn by manipulating icons and screens.

Therefore, the traditional method of teaching by lecture is less useful then integrating technology into the classroom. However, once again, at different times, different styles will be needed. For example, memorizing the multiplication table is a skill learned through repetitive drills. But what I think is of paramount importance is letting the students learn that there are different ways of learning. I have always given my students learning style tests and discussed how their dominant styles could be best utilized. For example, if you are a tactile learner--trying changing pen colors when you are taking notes--it will cause you to pause and refocus. But I also discuss with them how they learn in other manners also.

AS for the age of the learner, so much research is being done on memory that it exemplifies what I mean (about not one theory being correct) when applied to the cognitive information processing theory. If the learner has 3 different memory systems, and we have learned that memory changes with the age of the person, that it would be a logical conclusion that with each change in memory abilities--the learning for that person would also adjust.

Or the behavior therapy--too many times in the classroom I have treated a student with respect and told them that they can do it and not accepted excuses, and seen amazing results not to believe that my input, expectations, and limitations will determine how much they learn. I have had students tell me that they do well in my class because I believe in them not to give validity to the behavioral learning theory. But does this method necessarily work with an over-confident person that does not doubt their own ability. Definitely not to the same degree!

Apply for this Vacancy

One interesting job I found was Instructional Designer. The specific opening was listed at NCSU--hey don't let this turn you off! Basically the career involves designing and producing materials for web-based learning. It could mean developing an instructional website, gathering web resources or other digital course materials. The individual needs to have experience with a variety of hardware and software, multimedia technologies, the Internet, and distance learning platforms. Knowledge of usability and accessibility considerations is important. The applicant needs to know several on line systems,web authoring software, and have experience in a related production environment. Plus, the person needs all of the usual soft skills-interpersonal and communications skills, time management, teamwork skills, ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and ability to train others. Some fringe benefits are flexible work schedule and some at home work possible.

The qualifications are experience, Masters in Instructional Technology, Education Media, Instructional Systems Design, Educational Psychology or related field. This individual will assist teaching staff, serve on several committees, hold a leadership role, and MUST be willing to seek continual knowledge of emerging applications and theories of instructional design.

This position, in my opinion, would be an exciting one to pursue. An individual would feel constantly challenged and motivated for self-reflection and knowledge. The advance opportunities would be wide open.

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1221601293425