Theories of Learning
Mayer's chapter on Theories of Learning is a very interesting essay that has made me reflect on my educational process. It brings to light the different methods we as humans learn, and that each method has its merits and problems. It is hard for me to prescribe to one particular learning methodology because I can see that each theory is acceptable to a person depending on that person't ability to process information and understand its usage. As a child, I was more of a rote learner, and I performed well in many subjects (except for sports) through retention by craming, memorizing and studying. But as I got older and realized the path of my passion, the shift to learning by understanding took place because my heart and mind was completely involved. The desire to understand was heightened. Now, I find myself learning by understanding and in affect also helps me to retain what it is that I am learning within the process.
With all the studies to test the different theories of learning, one thing comes to mind is that the role of the teacher. It is difficult for me to see these assessments from the studies because the teachers' roles are crucial in determining how a student learn. How much knowledge does a particular teacher have compared to other teachers teaching the same subject? Generally, rich children have access to better teachers than poor kids, a known fact. So their method of teaching (rote or meaningful) is in affect determine by their knowledge.
Well that is my thought. I have a few more pages to read in this chapter, so the answer might lie ahead somewhere.
posted by tawn @ 2:49 PM
6 Comments:
Hi, I agree with that Mayer's article is quite interesting and I have the same question as you about the role of teacher when learners are learning. In this article, Mayer sites the results of several studies to show effectiveness of different learning theories. However, he doesn't mention anything the roles of teachers when students are learning. Even based on the same learning theories, I believe different teachers would effect learners' motivation, understanding, performance, and so on.
I look forward to read more article about the role of teacher in the classroom.^^
In my experience and study with college student development theory and other theories of development of humans, it seems to me that children would learn best simply through retention. It is not until later in our lives, as we develop intellectually and cognitively, that we would 1) need to transfer, and 2) have the ability to transfer information to something on a deeper or more challenging level.
Reflecting from an Educational Psychology course in undergrad, I learned about how teachers use the different learning styles to captivate students and foster learning so that the information sticks. There are times where teachers have to also do many different forms of teaching in one classroom so that she can reach her variety of learners. I still have my notes from the class, so let me know if you would like to borrow them sometime... : ) Amber
I also feel like I learned a lot using the rote method of learning. (Memorizing, Note cards, Cramming for exams). I think as a student I would have liked to know more about different learning methods and what would work best to retain the information. Or maybe it's just that the more "meaningful learning" would come with subjects that are especially interesting to students.
I totally agree with your sentiment about realizing that you succeeded academically with rote memorization. As I was reading Mayer's article I couldn't help but think that the vast majority of my studying in high school and as an undergraduate student revolved around memorization. While I'm certain I haven't retained any of what I learned in calculus II (as a result of rote learning or pure lack of interest, I'm not sure), it's interesting/disconcerting to think that until recently I've never actively considered how my knowledge transfers.
I too am part of the rote learning crew. Unfortunately, I still have not mastered all the techniques that go along with meaningful learning. I guess it depends on who is doing the teaching. With standardized testing running rampant in the educational system, will educators ever fully be able to assist students in the transition from rote to meaningful?
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