EDUC 7105 (Article response)
In the required reading, Kapp (2007) and Kerr (2007) highlighted
the myriad of learning theories and their bearings on the educational landscape
in which it was clearly determined there is not a “one size fits all” template
that is applicable in all situations.
This is key, especially in today’s classroom that are comprised of
multiple learning styles that all need or better yet desire a stimulating
atmosphere to keep them engaged. In the words of Kapp, there is no
singular learning theory encompasses the masses that we all can “hang our hats”
on. Due to the fact we all have different learning styles, we ideally can be
deemed as unique or an individual.
What is acceptable to one person may not be ideal for someone else. For instance, my learning modality
requires a great deal of hands on activities while my daughter can simply pick
up things with just reading and apply what she has read.
We are different but each of us is equally efficient at getting the
degree of comprehension we desire. As with all scenarios there are pros and
cons, it almost resembles our weekly game planning when we try to figure out
what defense we want to run that week. Each of our suggestions has positive and
negative perspectives, but in the end we try to apply what is best for the
team’s greater good.
Kerr’s (2007)
statement that “each -ism is offering something useful without any of them
being complete or stand alone in their own right” is profound in that the floor
is now open to different learning styles and that it is incumbent on learners
to discover what works best for them and their situation. In
fact, if not left to their own vices, combining -isms is a catalyst that spurs
authentic learning. This simply goes back to my statement in which I sated that
learning is not a “one size fits all”kind of situation and that each person must
find what works to their benefit.
Kerr says it best when he states “learning”is not one thing…it is a
multi-layered word that tends to get treated as if it were just one thing” Trust me, I’ve been in education enough
to see a wide range of learning styles and have had to uniquely create way to
accommodate each.
Education has transformed from “teacher focused to learner
focused”, therefore the days of students adapting to the teacher are few and far
between. Educators must now, assess and present educational avenues that can be
a benefit to the students they teach with the understanding that it may not be
ideal for everyone involved. With
my students, they thrive with the implementation of technology due to so many of
them having access to mobile technology.
References
Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web
log post]. Retrieved from,
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on
educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from,
http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/