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Learning is the knowledge someone gains from gathering new information from someone or something. This is how I would have described learning before having to create my own learning philosophy. I don't think I've ever really taken the time to delve deeper into all that the word learning has to offer. Fulbrook (2020) defines a learning theory as way to explain how students acquire, retain, and recall new information. Harapnuik (2021) poses a question about the importance of understanding learning theories. Understanding what learning entails and gaining a sense of learning theories helps us to create an environment that would embody those different learning abilities and preferences in an ever evolving environment (Harapnuik 2021).
My Learning Philosophy
Learning is a gift that has been given to all individuals. While I believe everyone has the ability to learn, I also believe that the process in which we take in and process information differs and is dependent upon a multitude of factors. The environment in which we grow, the way in which we are reared, our personal characteristics, and our unique interests all play a pivotal role in how we learn best. While some may thrive with auditory learning, others thrive with a more hands on experience. Within the educational system, it is important to understand and embrace the varied learning styles and abilities and consequently create an environment that caters to the diversity.
" The problem that we face is that the vast majority of students are dependent on their teachers to direct their learning and to administer standardized testing (Harapnuik 2023)"
Teaching and learning can not exist without the other. Teaching should take place in a way that gives learners the ability to connect with the knowledge being received. I believe teachers should help guide and facilitate learners in their journey towards acquiring new knowledge. In conjunction, learners should bring in their curiosity, experiences, and their own unique perspectives. The relationship on both sides should be give and take. A mutually beneficial relationship is the foundation on which education should be built.
"Piaget maintains that cognitive development stems largely from independent explorations in which children construct knowledge of their own."
What Learning Theory do I Identify with?
I went through my school years being praised for my achievements and intellect. I maintained A grades with the occasional B. I attended class and stayed focused. I completed all required assignments and tests with flying colors. I thrived on positive reinforcement and I was apprehensive at the thought of receiving negative feedback. I strayed away from group work and collaboration. I frowned at advanced mandatory group projects. I failed to ask questions. And had it of been up to me the teachers of the advanced classes would have never met me. Upon recent reflection and research, I recognize that my learning approach aligned closely with behaviorism principles.​ This approach to learning, rooted in behaviorism, emphasizes individual learning through observation, repetition, and reinforcement. Bates (2014) describes behaviorism as a theory that suggests our actions and reactions are directly influenced by the environment and the stimuli present. In my experience, I find this assertion to be valid.
"Constructivists believe that meaning or understanding is achieved by assimilating information, relating it to our existing knowledge, and cognitively processing it (in other words, thinking or reflecting on new information). (Bates 2014)"
Upon transitioning to college, behaviorism seemed to fail me. I encountered challenges in critical thinking and having to adapt to the independent learning style prevalent in college. Consequently, I moved towards a more constructivist approach. This entailed actively engaging in questioning, seeking guidance and feedback, collaborating with peers, conducting independent research, and embracing a more interactive learning process. The shift from a behaviorist to a constructivist framework proved to be instrumental in my learning experience.
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Conclusion
As a lower elementary school teacher, I aim to establish an environment that will accommodate diverse learning styles as children discover the approach that is beneficial to them. Piaget's theory underscores the change in a child's developmental stages, with emphasis on their cognitive development. I strive to create a space that will expose children to various types of learning,empowering them to voice their preferences effectively.
Bibliography
Bates, T. (2019, March 17). Learning theories and online learning: Tony Bates. Tony Bates |. https://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/
Bates introduces his textbook ‘Teaching in a Digital Age'. He discusses the importance of learning theories and shares a thourough explanation of the varied learning theories.
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Haave, N. (2023, June 15). Developing students’ learning philosophies. Faculty Focus | Higher Ed Teaching & Learning. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/developing-students-learning-philosophies/
Haave writes about a study done at a University to assess student learning via e-portfolios. During the study
faculty noticed students reflecting on their learning experiences for the first time, leading to discussions on
learning philosophies. The pilot of the e-portfolios show cased that development of learning philosophies and in
turn increased engagement and awareness.
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Harapnuik, D. (2021, November). Learning Philosophy. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=95
Harapnuik shares his own learning philosophy. He provides insights on the importance of being a learning
facilitator rather than a traditional teacher, focusing on creating environments for active learning and
constructivism. It talks about the shift from passive to active learning environments, promoting interactive
presentations, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world projects. The concept of inquivisitism is introduced,
highlighting principles like fear removal, discovery learning, and error recognition to enhance learning
experiences. Harapnuik advocates for purposeful design in educational settings to create holistic, student-
centered learning environments for growth and development.
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Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). Educational Development Philosophy. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=4639
Harapnuik's Educational Development Philosophy speaks on leading by example. His philosophy
includes creating significant learning environments, outcome-based design, aligning outcomes-activities-
assessment, and ensuring course integration. He emphasizes the importance of starting with "Why," creating
significant learning environments, and aligning outcomes, activities, and assessments, the approach aims to
enhance learning experiences by focusing on learner motivation, holistic environment design, and effective
alignment of course components.
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Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). Cova: inspire Learning Through choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences (2nd ed.). Learner’s Mindset Publishing.
Harapnuik and Thibodeaux introduce a learner-centered approach that emphasizes choice, ownership, voice,
and authentic learning opportunities. Learners have freedom in organizing and presenting their learning, control
over the process, the chance to use their own voice, and engage in authentic tasks.
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Theories_History of learning theories. KB. (2018). https://kb.edu.hku.hk/learning_theory_history/
This article explains that learning theories explain how people acquire and modify knowledge, skills, beliefs,
and, behaviors. It deems the main theories to be behaviorism, humanism, cognitivism, and constructivism
(cognitive and social). These theories are linked to various instructional models.
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Work, S. (2022). Cognitive development: Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. 2024
Work elaborates on Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development with precision. It delves into the inception of
Piaget's exploration of cognitive development and elucidates the theory in a straightforward manner, outlining its
core principles.
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