Learning theories reimagined

            Over the past 7 weeks I have learned so much about the way myself and others learn. I started this class thinking that I knew exactly how and why I learned the way I learned. I considered myself a visual learner and had no other concept of learning strategies or theories. Since then, I have learned about behaviorism, cognitivism, social learning, constructivism, connectivism, adult learning, multiple intelligence, and a plethora of other theories and strategies to explain how and why the human person learns the way they learn. I have a very different view on my own learning as a result of these theories and what I now know about the brain and learning strategies.

             In addition to being a visual learner, I now know that my learning preference can actually vacillate in the course of the same content area. I also know that I am highly influenced by social learning strategies as well as connectivist. Being the type of person that wants to learn visually, it makes sense that I would use my network of available resources to seek out information that was relevant and applicable to my needs. I know that I am a visual learner and when not presented with the type of input of information that is beneficial to me, I know where to go in order to find that type of information. In most cases, I would seek out resources online to help me better understand a concept or have it demonstrated. Furthermore, social learning strategies have played a huge part in the way I have learned. Being a visual learner and having very strong bodily-kinesthetic and interpersonal intelligences, my desire to be with and interact with others makes a lot of sense when considering the types of activities that make learning easier and more enjoyable.

            Having this advanced knowledge of learning theories is going to greatly impact my professional practice. Knowing what I now know, I want to be able to use these strategies and theories to improve the experience of my learners. Throughout the course we were given many tools and tips for implementing these ideas into our career and I am very excited to begin. One of the things that I am most excited about doing is working toward a flipped classroom model of instruction. Technology is so important in my industry and the resources that I have available to help my learners are so vast that it would be a shame not to use them to my advantage. Technology use in a flipped corporate classroom would give me many options for connecting with learners more effectively and increasing their productivity. In addition, utilizing the principles of adult learning theory while implementing a flipped classroom model would build greater trust and a stronger partnership between me and my learners. Being someone who naturally gravitates towards technology for my own learning, I am excited to be more innovative and experiment with different practices to impact my organization.

            In conclusion, the knowledge that I now have regarding learning theories is going to greatly impact my practice and effectiveness in my organization. Looking back at my original perception of learning and the very narrow-minded ideas that I had makes me very happy to have been a part of this course.