Week 9- Motivation

What is learning?

Learning is action. When a student doesn't understand something they have two choices, find help or keep being confused. I know the feeling of not wanting to ask a question, especially in a large group. The more experience we have, the more we know that we certainly are capable of understanding, it's finding that explanation that will "click" with us and the light will then come on.

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

A teacher needs to use a variety of techniques to help students learn. Students will have different goal orientations and different comfort levels of participation and engagement.  A teacher's job is to attempt to motivate each student. Some students like games and competition, others do not. While there are reasons to avoid help seeking, there are some students that do ask questions. I guess my point is, you have to deal with all kinds of personalities, comfort levels, backgrounds and goal orientations. Teachers need to make it comfortable for all types of student to seek help. Above all, the teacher needs to be accessible. Some students will be more comfortable one on one and others just need an avenue to seek help without conflicting with their own goal orientation.

Week 8- Human Development

What is learning?

This week I am seeing learning as a series of transitions. These stages of development become more complex until abstract thinking can occur. You must be able to not only retain information to learn but you also need to adjust your point of view at times. When you learn new concepts, you may find that an altered perspective makes more sense.  You have to be able to question your own assumptions in order to fully integrate new ideas. I also like the idea of critical reflection in getting adults to think for themselves. This kind of "on purpose" thinking and evaluating empowers learners to change and adjust.

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

I think a teacher can provide opportunities for a student to see a concept from a different perspective. The first step of that would require an awareness of what the different perspectives might be. The teacher then guides the students down the path of thinking allowing for individual interpretation on the part of the student. This would apply to philosophical subjects and concepts, not necessarily math or brain surgery!