Learning
What is instructional learning?
Instructional learning theory provides guidance on how to better help people learn and develop. Instructional learning is based on three general theories: behaviorism (learning as response acquisition), cognitivism (learning as knowledge acquisition), and constructivism (learning as knowledge construction). Instructional theory helps us create conditions that increases the probability of learning. The goal is understanding the instructional system and to improve the process of instruction (Smith & Ragan, 2005).
Reflection
The artifacts that I have provided here are examples of learning processes that enable the learning experience. Some of these theories and processes include examples of Change Theory, Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Development, and my personal learning philosophy. Each of these can be accessed under the "Learning" tab.
Learning can be a complex process, especially when people have so many different preferred methods to learn and develop. Things can become even more challenging when digital media and technology are used in the learning process. Pedagogy, the science of learning, is centered around the study and understanding of the traditional, teacher-to-student classroom experience. Throughout the past two decades the diffusion of technological innovations has caused professionals to rediscover their understanding of a new pedagogy called digital pedagogy.
My Learning Philosophy
Knowledge Increases Desire and Ability
A simple way to understand my philosophy of the learning process and the way that I view the value of knowledge is to understand that knowledge increases desire and ability. In my experience with life and in my professional life, I have come to the realization that my inability to overcome challenges is a direct result of insufficient knowledge.
As a young 19-year-old I served for two years as a missionary in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. During my time there, I lived among native Brazilians and so it was necessary for me to learn to both speak and read fluent Portuguese. It was extremely challenging and the experience quickly changed the way that I perceived my ability to learn. My patience was stretched but as I continually studied to learn the language, I began to notice an increase in my ability to study intensely and to retain the things that I was learning. Coincidentally, the more that I learned, the greater my desire was to act and to learn even more.
As a young man I never considered myself to be particularly intelligent, but I was always extremely curious. What I lacked at the time was the ability to calm my mind enough so that I could study with a greater perspective and real intent to t act on what I was learning.
The famous quote from Sir Fransis Bacon states this philosophy well: "ipsa scientia potestas est", or in other words “knowledge itself is power” (Gerhard, Marshall, & Winterton, 1632).
Serve
One of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein comes from a not so familiar poem that he wrote. In the poem Einstein says: “How much do I love that noble man / More than I could tell with words / I fear though he’ll remain alone [emphasis added] / With a holy halo of his own” (Jammer, 2011, p. 43). What good would knowledge be if it was acquired for the purpose to be kept and not used to serve and lift others? That is what this poem brings to my mind.
I have had many opportunities throughout my education and professional life when wise and intelligent men and women have reached out to me, taught and inspired me during my pursuit for personal betterment. Learning for the purpose of giving back and lifting those around me has become a key philosophy of my own. As I continue in my education and learning, I look forward to the opportunities that I will have to do the same.
Action Learning
Action learning is a learning philosophy that I have also come to adopt as my own. “Action learning method is based on the experiences of the participants whose individual problems become the basis for constructive solutions in the future” (Welscop, 2013). I believe that the need to learn is just as important as the need to act on what is learned so that the learning process can continue and progress.
Regnald W. Revens who initiated the theory of action learning said (as cited in Welscop, 2013) that action learning “is based on the premise that there is no learning without action and no sober deliberate action without learning.” I have found great comfort in this process of learning, and I have become passionately interested in how I can become the type of a mentor or educator that can teach students how to learn and to act so that they might continue to learn.
References
Gerhard, J., Marshall, W., & Winterton, R. (1632). Gerards meditations written originally in the Latine tongue by John Gerard doctor in divinity, and superintendant of Heldburge: Translated and revised by Ralph Winterton fellow of the Kings Colledge Cambridge. Cambridge: Printed by Thomas Buch printer to the University Cambridge.
Jammer, M. (2011). Einstein and Religion physics and theology. Princeton: Princeton University Press, P.43.
Welskop, Wojciech. (2013). Action learning in education. 10.13140/RG.2.1.4513.8006.