Which Learning Theory Best Describes How I Learn?

Now that I have a deeper understanding of the different learning theories and learning styles, my views of how I learn has not changed. I feel as though aspects of several learning theories apply to me. Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Social Learning, and Connectivism all have aspects that explain how I learn. However, I found that the Adult Learning Theory describes my learning methodology best. Adult learners are self-motivated. As adults mature, they become more independent in their studies. Adults can draw from a reservoir of experiences to aid them in learning. Adult learners are disciplined and prepared to learn (Smith, 2002). “Adult learning is simply a situation where adults are pursuing education. This can be done in a formal setting in higher education, trade school, or apprenticeship. This can also be done for adults who simply want to learn a skill and pursue education in order to learn that skill” (WGU, 2020).

Other Learning Theories:

Behaviorism

“Behaviorism assumes a learner is essentially passive, and will be shaped through positive or negative reinforcement. Learning is therefore defined as a change in behavior. Skinner (1974) believed that behavior is a function of its consequences, i.e. learners will repeat the desired behavior if positive reinforcement is given... Giving immediate feedback, whether positive or negative, should enable your learners to behave in a certain way” (Gravell, 2014).

As an adult learner I am actively pursuing my education. I only expect positive reinforcements in the form of good grades and my degree.

 Cognitivism

“Cognitivism focuses on what happens in the mind such as thinking and problem-solving. New knowledge is built upon prior knowledge and learners need active participation in order to learn…Cognitivism uses the metaphor of the mind as a computer: information comes in, is processed, and learning takes place” (Gravell, 2014).

As an adult learner, I rely heavily on prior knowledge.

 Constructivism

“Constructivism is about learning being an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it. The learner brings past experiences and cultural factors to a current situation and each person has a different interpretation and construction of the knowledge process” (Gravell, 2014).

Many instances as an adult learner required me to bring past experiences and cultural factors to a current learning experience.

 Social Learning

Badura’s social learning theory states that learners are motivated to learn from their surroundings. They learn from their peers, teachers, family, co-workers, social media, and celebrities. “Bandura's theory moves beyond behavioral theories, which suggest that all behaviors are learned through conditioning, and cognitive theories, which take into account psychological influences such as attention and memory” (Cherry, 2021).

As an adult learner, I find myself learning from teachers and other adults. Lately, I find myself learning from the younger generation the benefits of social media.

Connectivism

“Connectivism is driven by the understanding that decisions are based on rapidly altering foundations. New information is continually being acquired. The ability to draw distinctions between important and unimportant information is vital. The ability to recognize when new information alters the landscape based on decisions made yesterday is also critical” (Siemens, 2005).

As an adult learner, I can connect various learning experiences together to formulate a new foundation or concept.

      Technology is vital to my learning. Online courses and other digital applications have provided reliable resources and educational tools. I can not imagine my life without technology. Due to the flexibility technology provides, adult learning is facilitated by utilizing the latest technology platforms. “Technology assisted education is often accomplished through problem-based learning models that differ from lecture-based classes and usually involve self-directed learning and collaboration” (Wang, 2021, p. 719).

References

Gravells, A. and Simpson, S. (2014). Chapter 3- Delivering Education and Training. The Certificate in Education and Training.

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). Retrieved from http://www.itdl.org/

Smith, M. K. (2002) ‘Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and andragogy’, the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/thinkers/et-knowl.htm

Wang, V., & Stelson, U. M. (2021). Adult Education with Technology for Transformative Learning. In I. Management Association (Ed.), Research Anthology on Adult Education and the Development of Lifelong Learners (pp. 718-734). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-8598-6.ch036

Western Governors University [WGU]. (2020). What is the behavioral learning theory? https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-behavioral-learning-theory2005.html