Reflection

     The course Learning Theories and Instruction has furthered my knowledge about how people learn in many ways.  I believe that looking at my own learning while studying how people learn is what surprised me the most.  In doing so it has also deepened my understanding of personal learning processes.  Before taking this class, I had come to believe that I was only a visual learner and if I was not taught that way or had found a way to use the information visually I would not be able to retain the information like I should.  In studying about learning theories and learning styles I have learned that my learning pulls from not just one theory or style.  According to Gilbert and Swanier (2008) it is imperative that we show that one learning style is not the only learning style that is dominant with respect to an individual or discipline.  However, one person can have several learning styles related to a specific course or subject.

     A theory of learning provides a summary of vast amounts of knowledge relevant to the laws of learning in a concise manner. Learning theories not only explain how learning takes place but also why learning occurs. These theories provide us with a relevant conceptual framework for interpreting the learning processes and direct our attention to those variables that are crucial in achieving the desired goals (Chowdhury, 2006).  When designing lessons for traditional classes and online classes, learning theories and learning styles need to be incorporated to help create the appropriate learning environment.  The use of educational technologies, as much as the application of particular theories of learning, is a matter of fitness for purpose (Simple, 2000).  In creating the appropriate learning environment, how to motivate the learner must be accounted for as well.  The learner must be motivated to do the work and have confidence in the work they do.  When students are motivated to learn, they want to work on highly task-relevant activities.  They do not want to be distracted with unnecessary motivational activities.  For this reason it would be nice to have computer or multimedia software that can sense a learner’s motivation level and respond adaptively (Keller, 1999). 
     In conclusion I feel that I have gained a great deal of knowledge about learning theories and instruction.  I look forward to using this knowledge in my current position as a teacher and future jobs.  I am now aware of the different learning theories and learning styles and how they affect an individual’s capability of learning on different levels. 

References

Chowdhury, M. S. (2006). Human Behavior In The Context of Training: An Overview Of The Role of Learning Theories as Applied to Training and Development. Retrieved from www.unlibrary-nairobi.org/PDE’s/Humanbehavior.doc

Gilbert, J., & Swanier, C. (2008). Learning styles: How do they fluctuate? Institute for Learning Styles Journal [Vol. l]. Retrieved from http://www.auburn.edu/~witteje/ilsrj/Journal%20Volumes/Fall%202008%20Volume%201%20PDFs/Learning%20Styles%20How%20do%20They%20Fluctuate.pdf

Ormrod, J. (2011). Motivation in Learning. [Video production]. Laureate Education, Inc.

Semple, A. (2000). Learning theories and their Influence on the Development and use of Educational Technologies. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 46(3). Retrieved from http://web.ebsocohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org