Week 2- Behaviorism

What is learning?

This week I am recognizing the difference between learning and being trained. Learning is initiated by the individual learner with a goal or end result in mind. Learning is more enjoyable for the person than merely being trained. The learner can apply knowledge gained to multiple applications now and in the future. Learning can be a lifelong process while being trained has a limited scope and time period. Training seems geared more towards the agenda of the teacher.

How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer?

Learning will be most effective when the goals of the learner and the goals of the trainer match up. Clear communication and accessibility are needed to balance the requirements and standards of the teacher with the goals and direction of the learner.

What is learning? I think learning is not only acquiring knowledge, but also being able to use and apply that knowledge to solve different types of problems. This requires creativity and common sense.

How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer? I think three things a teacher can do to effectuate learning are:

1. guide- Since the teacher cannot make learning happen, the student has the most responsibility for this process. A teacher can direct and challenge the thought process of the student.

2. motivate- A teacher's excitement about a subject can influence the student to appreciate it more. This excitement can be displayed with something as simple as pointing out how the subject applies to the real world. (I almost changed my Bachelor's degree to Economics because of a motivating teacher!)

3. be a resource- A teacher will have a broader knowledge of the subject than the scope of any one particular class. Being willing to share that knowledge helps a student to think outside the box when necessary.

This is John and I "whale watching." We didn't see any whales, just a lot of dolphins!