Personal Theory of Learning

When I first started this class, I think my theory of learning was pretty simple. I believed that if you want to learn, and you put in the work, then you will be able to learn something. Now, since I have started thinking more about what it actually means to learn and the process that comes out of it, I think that learning is more than just a desire and an effort. While these are still important to the actual learning process, there is more going on.

First, I think that there are some basic things that need to be understood for the teacher and the learner before quality learning can take place. One of those things is understanding brain development, and how that interacts with learning. Understanding how the brain develops, specifically when each section develops is very important. Along with this is having the mindset to learn, and being in a safe environment. I think that it is very easy to get frustrated when learning if one doesn't feel safe. For example, I remember a math class my seventh grade year where I didn't feel safe learning. Learning is a very messy thing and it takes lots of practice. This particular teacher taught by fear, and didn't allow mistakes. Whenever one was made, that student was ridiculed, and by the end of the year, I found myself hoping that he would never notice that I was in his class. For the next long while, I didn't believe that I could do math, and was terrified of getting things wrong. Perhaps if I had had a safe learning environment, I would have found out that I am good at math a lot earlier. 

I also loved learning about Vygotsky. To keep developing my own learning theory, I think that Vygotsky has a lot to contribute. Scaffolding becomes an interesting topic to consider, and realizing that in order to learn, there has to be an MKO and scaffolds to make sure that the learning is really internalized. Without the internalizing component, then the learning is surface level. Kicking out the information right after an exam isn't making sure that you are really learning the information. Just that you can parrot the information back.

I also think that collaboration is essential to learning.  I find real value in swapping ideas, learning from others, and taking responsibility for one's learning. Finding out information from other members of a community can help make sure that the learning is actually cohesive.