Reflection

As I reflect back on my personal theory of learning at the beginning of class, I find that I have not changed my views as much as my teaching style.
I take an eclectic view of learning instead of subscribing to one learning theory. As the behaviorist theory states, learning is a behavior. I believe that some learning is a behavior that responds to rewards and consequences (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008 p 15). The constructivist perspecitve states that learning is unique to the individaul who constructs it (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008p 16). This theory fits in the sense that everyone is unique with their own unique learning style. Students’ culture, experiences, and environment shape their learning process. Therefore, I firmly believe that learning is building on prior knowledge, and is unique to each individual. I find that I now lean more towards the constructionist’s view of learning which states that in order to understand and learn one must have first hand experience (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).
As a teacher I take all of these theories into consideration when planning instruction. I address all learning styles in my teaching by using various types of technology. By using the technology students have more control over their learning, allowing teachers to differentiate instruction more efficiently by providing a wider variety of avenues for learning (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008 p 3). I have allowed my students to create more hands on projects, use more technology, and work cooperatively this year than I have in the past. As a result, I have a more student-centered classroom, and grades are improving. I can truly say that I am meeting the individual needs of my students by creating an active learning environment. I am teaching it better, and students are getting it faster (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program one. Understanding the Brain [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program seven. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. B. (2008). Theoretical Foundations . Boston: Allyn and Bacon

Social Learning

When students work in groups they are making sense of new knowledge by interacting with others (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139). Technology is a great tool to provide cooperative learning.
Student created multimedia is a great way for students to work in a social learning enviroment, and create a project.
Web resources allow students to collaborate with others outside the walls of the classroom. By using web quests, keypals, creating websites, and social networking sites students are allowed to create and take control of their own learning.
Collaborative organizing and shared bookmarking allows teachers and students to collaborate, organize, and share resources while engaging in a mutual learning environment.
Using communicaton software such as Skype allows students to collaborate irregardless of where they are in the world.
The emerging technology is changing the way the world operates; this includes education and learning. As teachers we have to be aware, and utilize the social learning theories in order to keep students interested and able to compete in a global market.
If you cannot view my voicethread above, here is the link
voicethread.com/share/887076/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.