Learning Evolution

Learning is such a complex process. This semester I have come to terms with the idea that learning is a complicated process that should always be evaluated (the process that is) and modified for success. At the beginning of this school year, the administration at our school asked each department to design common assessments based on core objectives. This process was suppose to really improve teaching and make learning objectives very clear to students and teachers.

While I think it is great to spell out learning objectives for students and teachers, this does not equate to good teaching. As the year has moved on, I realized that actual learning is so much more than spelling out objectives, teaching material and evaluating based on those objectives. This approach is pretty behaviorist and in my opinion, that is the least effective and lasting method of teaching and learning.

I really like the cognitive theories that we discussed in class. Back to my school, we are going to be so much more successful if we are building schema and capitalizing on background knowledge that the students already have. Students will retain much more information if they have knowledge to attach it to. Cognitive teaching methods are so important to the learning process.

We can’t forget about constructivist theories when discussing learning. Learning is messy and sometimes there will be failure and sometimes cognitive conflict must be created in order to retain and really understand information. Students must be given authentic opportunities to learn and demonstrate their knowledge. With these opportunities, students will value their understanding and knowledge of classroom material. As Vygotsky promoted, learners must be stretched beyond their perceived capabilities in order to achieve lasting learning.

Thinking about all of these learning theories in the context of my school and my classroom makes me realize a few things about how my thinking has evolved over the semester. There will never be one right way to teach every student. Teachers must constantly study and find the best teaching practices and the best methods in order to reach all students. I must dabble in all of the learning theories once in a while. Positive reinforcement and cognitive apprenticeship can really benefit many of my students when used at the right times. Above all, I as a teacher can never stop learning. I should always investigate new ways of teaching, presenting, motivating and creating understanding in my classroom.