The knowledge of learning theories provides a framework for conducting research into how learning takes place and the processes involved in learning. This knowledge has been instrumental to the development of the major theories of learning. My new knowledge about learning theories has widened my perspectives in terms of the interpretation of the learning process and its relationship with the way I learned. I have been able to study the underlying concept of each theory and reflect on how each has been applied to my learning experiences in the past and even presently. This deeper understanding has changed my view on how I learned because I now realize that learning is a process that brings together a number of factors which together change an individual’s skills, knowledge and views. Therefore, learning is much more than responding to external stimuli in a passive manner.
The learning theories are interrelated to the extent that all are dependent on the environment in varying degrees. I have learnt that no one theory can be adopted as the single theory of learning. According to Kerr (2008), “there is no single secret, magic trick to learning; we simply have to learn a large society of different ways to learn”. He further adds, “There is no general theory of learning just as there is no general theory of intelligence”. So because of the interrelationship of the learning theories, they require some detailed study to be understood. Over the past weeks, I have found the study of learning styles as the most revealing. In the past, I had considered learning as a task that can be accomplished in only one way. However, I have come to realize that I had learnt in different ways although most times unconsciously. With the new knowledge about learning styles, I can now be more specific about my learning preferences. Although I often apply all the learning styles at different times and for different learning experiences, I find the elaboration and activity centered styles more preferable. I also have better understanding of why I do not learn certain topics easily while I find others very easy to understand.
With the myriad information now available on the internet and from the use of other technology resources, learning for me as an adult has now become even much easier and more exciting. Today, technology plays a very important role in my learning especially in the way knowledge can easily be sourced and compared with many different sources to give a balanced view about a topic or an issue. After enrolling in an online course, I have come to realize the importance of technology in learning through the connections and tools that are available to me. Today, I cannot even imagine how learning would be without technology.
Kerr, B. (2008). Learning Theory evolves. Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/![]()
The learning theories are interrelated to the extent that all are dependent on the environment in varying degrees. I have learnt that no one theory can be adopted as the single theory of learning. According to Kerr (2008), “there is no single secret, magic trick to learning; we simply have to learn a large society of different ways to learn”. He further adds, “There is no general theory of learning just as there is no general theory of intelligence”. So because of the interrelationship of the learning theories, they require some detailed study to be understood. Over the past weeks, I have found the study of learning styles as the most revealing. In the past, I had considered learning as a task that can be accomplished in only one way. However, I have come to realize that I had learnt in different ways although most times unconsciously. With the new knowledge about learning styles, I can now be more specific about my learning preferences. Although I often apply all the learning styles at different times and for different learning experiences, I find the elaboration and activity centered styles more preferable. I also have better understanding of why I do not learn certain topics easily while I find others very easy to understand.
With the myriad information now available on the internet and from the use of other technology resources, learning for me as an adult has now become even much easier and more exciting. Today, technology plays a very important role in my learning especially in the way knowledge can easily be sourced and compared with many different sources to give a balanced view about a topic or an issue. After enrolling in an online course, I have come to realize the importance of technology in learning through the connections and tools that are available to me. Today, I cannot even imagine how learning would be without technology.
Kerr, B. (2008). Learning Theory evolves. Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/
