Learning Theories Wiki Reflection

Learning Theories Wiki

Reflection

I had great confidence in participating in the Learning Theories Wiki, due to basic prior knowledge on the topic. Although, I admit I had never looked so in depth into Learning Theorists, nor efficiently understood their individual views and aspects of ‘the way children learn.’ Doing the P.M.I for the Learning Theories was both advantageous and collaboratively enjoyable for me, as it was a way to understand a deeper insight into the theory. Being able to communicate and discuss ideas and views with my two partners about Howard Gardner’s M.I. Theory, opened us all up to a range of perspectives on the theory, and discovering as a team, the positive, negative and interesting points on Howard Gardner. Looking at other team’s P.M.I’s on other theorists was a great overview into the different styles and perspectives of theories from different students as future Learning Managers.

I feel that the Learning Theories has both positive and effective potential amongst Learning Managers and educators, as well as the student’s perspective. For higher years of primary schooling, the information could be abridged, for their understanding capabilities. The student’s could then identify particular aspects and views on theorists according to their analysis on ‘how we learn.’ Grouping and collaborating amongst each other will give children confidence in further understanding into insightful information, and experiencing P.M.I is a process in which a lot of children could benefit from, both academically and personally. The P.M.I has the potential to ‘Extend and Refine Knowledge’ as students are reasoning, comparing and analysing information with each other and their perspectives. (i)

I feel that the pedagogy for this I.C.T tool has both effective and non-effective aspects to it. Using a socially creative context in collaborative learning through I.C.T is an exciting and very understanding learning tool for a lot of students. Although, some students are not always from Digital Native backgrounds, even if they are from Generation Z, so it is important to recognise this in the classroom and use valuable eLearning pedagogy to form their understanding of this. I feel that the students from non- digital native backgrounds could benefit just as well by creating a Mind-Map about each of the theories. Tony Buzan (2007) explains that mind-mapping is both a creative and effective way of opening the mind to new ideas and perspectives. (ii) I feel for the children not comfortable with using the P.M.I, this would be highly effective in learning, still through I.C.T and socially collaborating with other students, but at a more undemanding level.

I feel that Constructivism is a very important foundation in the Learning Theories Wiki, as it is a process of constructing knowledge. As students, we are scaffolding and mediating the learning process, as we are exposed to insightful questioning as well as acquiration and analysis of data. (iii) We are using social abilities to collaborate past and present experiences with each other, forming perspectives on the topic. This then defines learning as a ‘connection between the known and the new.’  Piaget (1926) (iv)

The Learning Theories Wiki isn’t an efficiently diverse I.C.T tool design, as it doesn’t comprise for all learners and their learning abilities. As stated before, constructivism plays a very vital role in the learning theories wiki, as this involves critical analysis through social constructive knowledge. For some children who do not feel comfortable sharing their views and perspectives on topics, this would not necessarily be an efficient way of learning. According to Gardner’s M.I. theory, this exercise would relate more to an ‘Interpersonal’ personality rather than an ‘Intrapersonal’ personality. (v) This is because understanding and acceptance of others perspectives due to their previous experiences and circumstances is the focal aspect of the Learning Theories Wiki.

References:

(i)  Marzano. R. J., & Pickering, D.J. (2009). Dimensions of Learning (2^nd ed.).  Moorabbin, VIC:  Hawker Brownlow Education

(ii)  iMindMap. (2007). Maximise the Power of your brain: Tony Buzan mind mapping  [Video File]. Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlabrWv25qQ

(iii)  Webb, I. (2008). ICT and Constructing Knowledge. Retrieved from http://www.educ.utas.edu.au/users/ilwebb/Research/constructing_knowledge.htm

(iv)  Ambrosetti, A. (2011). Learning Management 1- Topic 2- Week 2. Pg. 14 [PowerPoint slides] Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, EDED11353 Learning Management 1, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=17508

(v)   Smith, M.K. (2008). Howard Gardner, multiple intelligences and education. Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, FAHE11001 Managing e-Learning, http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm