Knowing Your Learners and Learning Theories

Learning Styles

ICT creates multiple learning opportunities in which assist all students with differing learning styles. Throughout a diverse range of 'individual and cooperative team work, social networking, visual, auditory, interactive resources, colour and multiple formatting options' a suitable learning experience can be formed and tailored to all students in the classroom (Fasso, W 2012). Consequently, it is essential that Teachers recognise and identify the diversity of learning styles in the classroom, so that each individual has the maximum potential to learning.

The Felder and Solom website provides an Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire in which gives the participant an accurate insight into their preferences of learning styles. These are the test results of my questionnaire:

ACT                     X                            REF            11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11                               <-- -->       SEN          X                                        INT            11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11                               <-- -->       VIS      X                                            VRB            11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11                               <-- -->       SEQ              X                                    GLO            11  9   7   5   3   1   1   3   5   7   9   11                               <-- -->

It was interesting to see that I was a balanced active and reflective learner and was pleased as Felder & Solom state that this is a 'desirable outcome'. My moderate preference to sensing learning was depicted true as I believe that I am a practical person or a realist because I love to learn facts and best understand new information when it has a 'real life' application. My very strong preference to visual learning is right on target as I am a hands on learner. However, this area I believe requires me to develop higher verbal attributes so that in an all verbal environment, I am able to process information just as effectively. My moderate preference to sequential learning is of no surprise as I am a very methodical person.

Another test was undertaken (Birmingham Grid for Learning - Multiple Intelligences) in order to determine learning styles and so that the importance of Multiple Intelligences could be noted. The following are my personal results of the questionnaire:

Source: Take the Quiz Now!

This test was useful as now I am physically aware of my learning style preferences. Therefore, I can apply and focus on these techniques and methods such as Kinaesthetic, Musical and Visual when I am learning new information. Similarly, if teachers are able to identify the students preferred learning styles than, the information and knowledge can be taught in a style that is most beneficial to them.

Learning Theories 

Today's Learners - who are they and what exactly do they want? There are few opposing ideas or answers to this question and my interpretation is that, this whole subject of 'digital natives' could be quite controversial. Marc Prensky offers the idea that today's learners have been submerged in technology and those outside of this generation are category as 'digital immigrants' (2001). It has also been identified through literature that due to these 'learners' being  'engaged'  with something in their lives, in order for effective learning to occur, they also need to be 'engaged' in the classroom. As teachers do we need to rethink the methods in which we present and teach information, or link the knowledge in which we are providing to reflect the same areas of interests in which the students have outside of school? On the other hand authors such as Neil Selwyn stress an important message that all who are involved with students or 'digital natives' should acquire a balanced view of the needs of this generation. However although Prensky may sound extreme, we cannot not acknowledge that the current generation is heavily engaged in the digital world. I believe that students do not demand technology but, if it is a part of their everyday life than why not use it as strategy to enhance learning.

Connectivism - a theory of how learning is best supported

I personally tend to agree with Siemen's ideas and the notion that we as learners form our knowledge base through our experiences in life. Yet, as a young learners many opportunities in which allow for knowledge gain have not been presented. Furthermore, we tend to draw on others who have experienced particular events and are typically informed on the surrounding topic. Experience has been deemed by Karen Stepheson as "the best teacher of knowledge" (2002). Connectivism could be effectively utilised in the classroom by forming essential 'pipes' or an effective communication network where information (content) or experiences can be shared. In turn, a continual learning cycle is created amongst students.

References:

Fasso, W (2012). EDED20491 - ICT's for Learning Design: Study Guide. Rockhampton, Qld: CQUniversity, Australia.
Prensky, M (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon, 9, 5, 1-6.
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved from: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm