Module 2 Post #1 Joshua Sherman

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.