Learning Theories and Learning Styles

After learning about the different learning theories and learning styles, I have to say I am not sure about my learning theories but I do not think my learning styles have changed. I still feel I can relate more to the Cognitive Theory than the Behavioral Theory because I am always thinking, "how are my students going to learn this?".  Although, in the Behavioral Theory, I do feel positive and negative rewards and punishments are important. I feel more confident in the Cognitive Theory, but I can also relate to the Behavioral Theory now that I have learned so much information about it.  My learning styles I feel have not changed since I was in high school. Even after learning about the learning styles, I still feel strongly about being a visual and kinesthetic learner. Sometimes I wish I was an auditory learner because I think it would help with being a teacher, but I cannot seem to change this.

                After researching all the interesting learning theories and learning styles, I think the best learning theory that sticks out that explains my own personal learning would be Adult Learners. I am the type of person who gets bored if I am not reading about subjects that I find interesting, or relates to my job. According to Conlan, Grabowski & Smith (2003), Adult Learners need to be involved in the planning of their instructions, adults are most interested in learning about subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life, and learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.  This explains why I cannot get into some of the readings, because as Conlan, Grabowski & Smith said, the articles have nothing to do with my work or personal life. A negative against myself is I waited a little too long to start my masters, I should have started right after a year or two of receiving my job, instead I waited until almost six years. I know that does not seem like a long time, and to many people it is not, but to me, it is. I have been away from the college experience, writing papers, reading, and studying for many years, and it is hard to get back into the habit. "Most common reasons for adults to place themselves in learning environment is a life changing event, but once in the environment there are many factors that affect the learning experience: life experiences, work experiences, positive/negative previous adult learning experiences, time between learning interactions, and aging factors " (Conlan, Grabowski & Smith, 2003). Personally, I find the articles on Adult Learners the most interesting to read.

                Technology plays a huge role in my work and personal life.  At work, when given a break I am always on my laptop. I like to look up new games for the students, find new lessons/activities to help the students learn, or find articles to read to help myself become a better teacher. Even without the internet, I am always using Microsoft word to type up student information, to make up worksheets or accommodations of tests/quizzes, or to create organizers for myself for keeping the kids work organized.  At home, I am using the computer to look up information for my graduate papers, reading discussions online, and sometimes reading articles online. I am always searching for information when at home, because I am the type of person who enjoys getting on the internet and looking up information.  Technology is a big part of my life now because if I have a question or a concern I check the internet, I do not need to look any further.

 

Conlan, J., Grabowski, S., & Smith, K. (2003). Adult learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning,                                                                       teaching, and technology. Retrieved from      http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Adult_Learning