The blog by Bill Kerr chronicling a conversation between Kerr, Stephen Downes, and Karl Kapp is a fascinating look at varying positions on learning theory. Kerr makes a great point when discussing the importance of _isms in educational thought and reform. "Because how else could we have change without a theory to justify it and help us think about it" ~ Bill Kerr: isms as a filter not a blinker. The study of learning theory as a mechanism to foster thinking about educational practice and reform, in my mind, makes learning theory relevant to a classroom teacher. As classroom teachers we are all in pursuit of creating an environment that best suits the individual needs of our learners. The study of learning theory provides insight into the complex process of learning. To an educational change agent then learning theory and the study of _isms provides the justification for educational reform movements.
Reading through the conversation between Kerr, Downes, and Kapp it is apparent that influential thinkers in the field of learning theory have definite positions and favorite _isms. I think it is important to glean pieces from multiple learning theories to gather a more complete picture. Learning is a complex process that is not likely to be defined by one theory or _ism. "It seems to me that each _ism is offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right" ~Bill Kerr: isms as a filter not a blinker. Karl Kapp echoes this thought; "We need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively because... Cognitivism doesn't explain 100% how humans process information and neither does Constructivism or Behaviorism. What we need to do is take the best from each philosophy and use it wisely to create solid educational experiences for our learners" ~ Out and About: Discussion on Educational Schools of Thought.
Josh,
ReplyDeleteI really believe that it is bits and pieces of each theory rather than one alone. With the way students are brought up today, it is very apparent that students are not traditional learners of one ism. With the no child left behind laws there is no room for one theory to stand alone. My thought is how can we make all teachers aware that all three isms need to be available to all students? Some of the things we do as teachers we do without realizing what they are called or maybe even what theory it is associated with. If teachers study this more, then more effective ways can be created to reach all students.
Josh,
ReplyDeleteI agree, the more we know about learning the more it seems to be a combination of theories that presents us with the most useful information. Humans really know very little about have our brains function and as innovations in technology bring us closer to understanding additional theories will be added.
Joshua,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of your comments. I think that as educators, if we discredit one theory over another, our students lose out. It is the best practice to use all of the learning theories and access the one that is most useful to your students at the appropriate time.