Module 2 Reflection
Melissa St. Laurent
504 – Spring 2013
I found this module of particular interest. It is very enlightening to learn about the theories that underlie many of the activities in which we participate throughout or own education, both formal and informal, as well as the activities that we assign as instructors. As Horton pointed out in his article, Lev goes to college: Reflections on implementing Vygotsky’s ideas in higher education, many of these learning theories are already in use despite the fact that many have no idea of the source (2008).
The journal article, Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective (Ertmer & Newby, 1993), was an absolute gem. This article brought to the forefront several critical questions that I will now incorporate in all future trainings. It is critical to understand the limitations of the technology, the diversity of the learners, and the acceptability of the material in relation to the goal of the instruction.
Every response given to the question why the study of learning theories is relevant to the instructional designer resonated with me (Ertmer & Newby, 1993, p. 51).
- Learning theories are a source of VERIFIED instructional strategies, tactics & techniques.
- Learning theories provide the foundation for INTELLIGENT and REASONED strategy selection.
- Integration of the selected strategy within the instructional CONTEXT is critical.
- Learning theories allow for reliable PREDICTION when time and resources are limited.
Perhaps the greatest advice given within the article was that although it is crucial for designers to understand the history of the learning theories, it is acceptable to cherry pick aspects from multiple theories, based on evaluation of the learners and the end goal. This concept is referred to as systematic eclecticism. (Ertmer & Newby, 1993, p. 70). There is not always one theory that meets all the needs presents. This is not a permission to dismiss the historical value of the theories, quite the contrary. According to Ertmer and Newby (1993, p. 69), “…to be an eclectic, one must know a lot, not a little, about the theories being combined.”
This is my first journey into learning theory. In my work, I have implemented many aspects of the articles I have read for this assignment, with varying degrees of success. Throughout the reading for this topic, I was able to draw many parallels to my current practice. I have created forms of practice fields and communities of practice outlined in situative learning during the implementation of software. I continually use the aspects of the social development theory everyday as I assist employees through hands on training activities. My implementation tactics were eclectic, but only by chance.
The problem with that is, I am a control freak. I do not like leaving things to chance. I understand that not all things are in my control but, being armed with the knowledge will afford me the opportunity to make educated decisions regarding strategy.
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