understanding learning
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Understanding Learning. An overview for online instruction. Mary Beth Pozdol Sept. 10, 2012 EDU 232 Prof. Renae Buss. Objective. Participants will gain an overview of what learning is Differentiate three approaches to how students learn - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Understanding Learning An overview for online instruction
Mary Beth PozdolSept. 10, 2012EDU 232Prof. Renae Buss
Objective Participants will gain an overview of what
learning is Differentiate three approaches to how
students learn Differentiate three types of learning
(learning domains) Draw correlations with how this impacts
online education design and implementation
What Is Learning Making sense of our world by synthesizing
new experiences into what we have previously understood
A relatively permanent change In behavior Or in mental representations
The change is brought about by experience Can be subtle or observable change Change will last for some time
Learning is Learning is a process that results in
a change in behavior, an improvement in performance, in the acquisition of knowledge, in a disposition to act in particular ways
Three Approaches to Learning
We want to understand these approaches in order to understand how to best achieve learning
Behaviorism – focuses on changed behavior Cognitivism – focused on change in mental
representations and associations Constructivism – learners use their prior
knowledge to construct a personally meaningful understanding of new content
Which Approach is Best?
NOT advisable to follow only one approach A blend of approaches is needed for
successful e-Learning design and implementation Variety of learners: learning styles, multiple
intelligences Variety of contexts Variety of types of learning – cognitive,
affective, psychomotor
Behaviorism New behaviors are learned through
conditioning with no regard to mental processes
Focus is on external events that cause changes in observable behaviors
Shaping behavior through classic and operant conditioning Classic – two stimuli simultaneously Operant – response is followed by reinforcing
stimulus Learners are like blank slates
Cognitivism The increase in knowledge causes behavior change Learners are not passively influenced by their
environments but active participants in their own cognition
The mind works like a computer, learning takes place by applying set-in-place algorithms
Information processing, problem solving, memory, pattern recognition
Formation of judgments, critical thinking, decision making, creativity, emotions
Constructivism Constructivist approach emerged since 1990 Roots in both psychology and philosophy Knowledge is constructed by learners as
they attempt to make sense of their experiences
Learners are not empty vessels waiting to be filled, but active organisms seeking meaning
Learners use prior knowledge to construct a personally meaningful understanding of new content
ConstructivismDriscoll’s summary
Embed learning in complex, realistic, relevant environments
Involve social-relational activities as part of learning
Support multiple perspectives and multiple modes of representation
Encourage ownership in learning Nurture self-awareness of the knowledge
construction process
Merrill’s First Principle Learning is promoted when students are
engaged in a problem-centered instructional strategy.
Learning is promoted when learners Observe a demonstration Apply new knowledge Engage in task-centered instructional activity Activate prior knowledge or experience Integrate their new knowledge into their
everyday world
Bloom’s TaxonomyCognitive Domain
Cognitive domain: describes six levels of knowledge to be considered when planning learning events, writing objectives, or making assessments
Levels range from remembering without understanding to evaluating and making judgments Knowledge Comprehension Application Analysis Synthesis Evaluation
Affective Domain Affective domain deals with emotional
responses and reflect the commitment level of the learner Least committed to most committed Five levels:
Receiving Responding Valuing Organizing Characterizing value
Simpson’s Psychomotor Domain
Psychomotor domain deals with physical abilities and skills from basic to more skilled Perception Set Guided Response Mechanism Complex overt response Adaptation Origination
Understanding Learning
As we understand how the human mind works We need to allow this understanding to impact
the way we design and implement e-Learning Successful e-Learning is based on
understanding different perspectives in learning approaches
Different learning approaches provide insights into how people learn
Use a blend of perspectives for a variety of learners and variety of subject matter
Resources Allen, Michael W.. Designing Successful e-Learning:
Forget What You Know About Instructional Design and Do Something Interesting, Michael Allen's Online Learning Library . Pfeiffer & Company, 5/11/07.
Brown, A. & Green, T. (2011). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice. (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Learning. (2008). In Key Concepts in Sport & Exercise Sciences. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/sageuksport/learning
Resources Merrill, D.M. (2008). Merrill on instructional
design [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_TKaO2-jXA
Merrill, D.M. (2009). M. David Merrill- Utah State University [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=xORZynFKsG4