Although everyone’s brain has the same basic make up and functions, it is striking to me that learner’s perceive information differently through multiple intelligences and learning styles. We all generally have the ability to retain information that we hear, see, smell, or use motor functions to learn. However, for some of us what we see triggers memory recall or retains memory. For others, it is the use of motor function or performing a task that triggers a retained memory or causes a memory to be retained for later use. Furthermore with learning styles, I now better understand that rhythm, pictures, and motion can be used to increase the transfer of knowledge.
For my personal learning, I have found that my learning style has changed based on my experiences and having to adapt for work. While still a kinesthetic learner, through my online courses, I have learned to be more comfortable at learning with and recalling information read, seen in matrices or pictures and heard during my studies. While before my online learning experience which started almost 4 years ago, I had a hard time remembering what I heard during classroom lectures and relied heavily on the notes that I took. So, by entering an online education forum where more independent learning was required, I adapted my learning style in order to be successful. This has also taught me that all learners have the potential to adapt their learning styles based on their own drive and need for success.
Learning theories are the basis on which teachers and instructional designs base their own styles to teaching and designing. Learning styles are the method by which learners perceive the information being provided through their senses. Teachers and designers can use these various methods of perception to aid in the transfer of knowledge for learners. Educational technology takes the theories and styles to another level. Through blogs, wiki’s, mp3’s, iPods, DVD’s, online chats, web camera’s and real-time live chats, the various theories can be applied. For instance, behavioral theory can be used in the form of DVD’s where the learner can watch, observe behaviors and actions in order to retain the memory and repeat the actions later. Another example is the internet and how it can be applied in a constructivist manner by allowing the learner to research current events to apply what they have been learning in the classroom to real-world occurrences.
Motivation is a necessary element for a learner regardless of which theory you subscribe to, your learning style or technology that is available. Motivation is the foundation of how well a learner takes in the information, retains it and uses it. Instructional designers have to remember that no matter how well the content in the course is, there has to be triggers imbedded to increase motivation which will increase participation and focus during the class which will in turn increase the likelihood of the learner retaining greater amounts of information.
The Learning Theories and Instruction course has provided a needed and firm foundation for the remainder of the certificate program in Instructional Design. It has taught me the importance of taking the firmly established and the new concepts as well as technology has to be considered when designing courses. It has reinforced the importance of looking at instruction from the point of view of the learner and not be so focused on what I believe is needed. In other words, be sure to think about the different ways learners gather and process information; incorporate those elements in the design of the instruction; and include methods to continue to motivate the learner.
As an instructional designer, I feel I have the privilege and responsibility for helping teachers teach and learners learn. This is not a responsibility to be taken lightly, but to be taken seriously with an emphasis on the learner and ensuring that the instructor or teacher who has the responsibility for delivering the information to learners have the information that they need to aid in learning transfer.
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