Fitting the Pieces Together

My views on my personal learning style has shifted, but not in the sense that many might think as far as concept. As I learned about each theory, I began to pay close attention to how I acquired information over the last six weeks and whether or not I have been able to retain it.

I feel as though I am still a learn-by-doing/hands-on learner, gaining information through the tasks and projects I accomplish, leaning towards more of Social Learning theory. When I reviewed the way I acquire information, its mostly motivated through active learning – what I read, observe, and hear. This process seems to capture my attention, which is the motivation I need to retain the concepts.

Over the last few weeks, I have learned that I am not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ learner. Although my learning traits stated above align with the Social Learning theory, I recognize that I have traits that span across other theories. This course has shown me that differences in how humans learn does not equate to superiority in one style over the others.

The idea of ‘growing’ more adept in the multiple intelligences was also informative to me. I also resonated with the idea that events in our daily lives can build or erode our capacity to flourish in any of the eight intelligences. Much of my learning behavior and how I retain information professionally and personally has always nodded towards the Linguistic-Verbal and Intrapersonal intelligences but as with the learning theories, I identify characteristics of each in my learning profile. As discussed in our Week 6 course assignment, I struggled with math after Geometry in high school and did not realize that an experience with an unsupportive math teacher shaped my approach with the subject until now. After assessing my competency levels in each intelligence, I realize that although my math skills are solid, there is hope for me as long as I develop an action plan to improve on what I already know.  

Technology plays a huge role in my learning…I am currently enrolled in a Master’s program that focuses on Instructional Technology and Design (lol)! Technology is evident in every facet of my life, as it shifts learning into a more collaborative platform where ideas become global. Gone are the days where you gained knowledge from textbooks (I read the encyclopedia constantly), teachers, and your parents. Now, I can swap thoughts and experiences and insight on virtually anything – with anyone at any time. I believe learning through technology extends our memories, helping me retain information easily.