By reading the blog, _isms as a filter-not-blinker, my assumption that all learning theories are useful in education is confirmed. Bill Kerr stated "_each ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right" (2007, Kerr). Learning theories provides us with a glimipse on various ways learners obtain knowledge. It is up to educators to use the learning theories as a stepping stone when teaching learners. Learning Theories provide insight for educators. All can be useful depending on the content and learner. I don't believe one single learning theory could describe excactly how learners obtain knowledge since all learners learn differently. The learners change with the generations. There is new information found daily on how to teach learners and how learners learn. Karl Kapp says it best when he states "we need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively.." (2007, Kapp). It is up to educators to bring all of the pieces of learning theories together to eductate all learners effectively.
References
Kapp, K. (2007, 01 02). Out and About: Thought on Educational Schools of Thought. Retrieved 06 30, 2010, from Kapp Notes: http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html
Kerr, B. (2007, 01 01). _isms as a filter not a blinker. Retrieved 06 30, 2010, from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Diedre,
ReplyDeleteYour statement about not believing how one single learning theory could describe excactly how learners obtain knowledge since all learners learn differently is so true. It make me wonder if learning theories are generated based on this very fact, that we all are unique and learn differently. I d not believe that learning theories are meant to be stand alone. They complement each other and helps to support one another where the other goes lacking.
Emmorfia
I believe that at the time the various learning theories were created, persons truly believed that their theories were the end all be all. These individuals thought that a student would be successful if a particular theory was followed. As our knowledge and understanding of students grows, we find that there is no one perfect solution to education and not everyone can grasp the material using one style.
ReplyDeleteDeidre,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that as educators we are to take pieces from the learning theories to educate or students effectively. The learning theories do provide insight on how students learn and obtain knowledge. Effective education is implementing the learing theories throughout the learning process.