As instructional designers, educators, and trainers it is it is imperative that we understand that not all brains think alike nor do they all learn in the same style or pace. In order to maximize the learning potential of those we seek to educate, we must learn to incorporate various learning methods in order to accommodate the many different learning styles.
While it may simplify our lives to teach only one method, and hope the majority “get it”, is this the type of service that we really want to give our clients? We owe it to those we serve to be the best educators we can be. Yes this means that we may have to do more research in order to reach those one or two students that struggle with concepts that we consider to be rudimentary, but aren’t they worth it?
I’m sure that most of us know someone (you, perhaps?) that has benefitted from that one teacher who took the extra time, went the extra mile in order to help us understand. Educators that go beyond and give a little more in order to teach how to learn new concepts or new methods of memorization open up new worlds for many that may have otherwise gone unexplored. Mr. Shipley was my seventh grade science teacher. He taught me one of the most important learning methods of my life and I still use it extensively to this day. I hope that I am able to return the favor many times. May God rest his soul.
This week I would like to share with you some informational resources dealing with the brain, how we learn and different factors that affect the way we learn. Take a moment to explore the links posted as I’m sure you will find something here that may be beneficial in the continuing quest for knowledge.
This website gives the reader an overview of the cognitive system as well as describes various models and theories of learning. I found it to be very informative as it details various models of learning. Explanatory diagrams are included.
For those of you who are classroom instructors, there is a table outlining nine different principles to use in the information processing approach and examples of each.
The home page alone contains loads of valuable information plus there are numerous links that will take you to more in-depth discussions on each subject.
Wow, this site has the potential to become one of my favorite favorites! This site states that just like the body, the brain benefits from exercise.
Included in this site are tests and brain exercise topics. There are also brain training games that focus on memory, speed, focus, attention, spatial reasoning and problem solving.
Some of the topics include: Mental Exercise for a Better Brain, Physical Exercise for a Better Brain and one that I’m sure to read – Exercise for the Aging Brain Studies!
Every topic is broken down into subtopics for more detailed reading.
This site is not only educational, but fun as well.
I consider this site to more of a self-help site, but one that may be beneficial in learning what type of decisions we make and why we make them. After all, before we can understand others, we must first seek to understand ourselves.
This site packs in a lot of information. Various models of decision making and understanding are explored and it is sure to contain something for everyone. In these days, everyone can benefit from learning how to manage stress, make decisions, and better manage their time. Other topics are also discussed.
There are many subjects here for your exploration. Keep in mind however that a subscription is required in order to read some of the full articles.
Last but certainly not least is this article I found I the Walden University database which details the learning process. The article is a collaborative work between three PhD research professors. While somewhat verbose (22 pages), the article is well written and easy to read.
The article explores theories of individual learning which are then broken down into four types of individual learning processes: adaptive, generative, transformative, and reflective. These processes are then diagramed in tables and figures in order to help facilitate the message being conveyed.
As previously stated, these sites are packed with information that I hope helps you understand the learning process and become the best educator you can be. As always, please feel free to leave your comments and/or suggestions.
