What is Learning?

Master of Secondary Teaching student, Tess, summarises some key theoretical perspectives of learning.

Transcript

1. What is ‘Learning’? … and a process Measurable endeavour or change External action +/or internal experience Learning is both a product EDST8200 2020 Tess Peni Macquarie University Reference: ‘Teaching Making a Difference’ (3rd Ed.) Churchill , Godinho, Johnson Keddie, Letts (2016)
2. Learning is an everyday part of being human Learning ü Begins before birth ü Everyone can learn ü Occurs via diverse pathways Image via Tots to Teens https://www.totstoteens.co.nz/entertainment/whats-canterbury-families/ FACTORY MODEL Traditionally, learning was teacher-centred and students were thought to be blank slates to be filled Teachers learn about learning
3. https://depositphotos.com/127955240/stock-photo-childs-finger-painting.html ”What is taught is not always the same as what is learned and students are not empty vessels waiting to be filled but rather individuals who bring with them a diverse set of experiences and skills that are always part of any learning experience” (Churchill 2016, p.83) Learning is making connections Teachers learn about learning
4. Theoretical Models of Learning ‘Mother Turns Her 2-Year-Old’s Scribbles into Water Colours’ https://www.demilked.com/children-drawings-turned- paintings-ruth-oosterman/ Behaviourist Use of positive or negative consequences to affect voluntary behaviors (action +/or thought) Reward new behaviour àrepeat = learned Ignore/punish behavior àchange Learning = new behaviors are repeated (Watson 1914, BF Skinner 1953)
5. Theoretical Models of Learning Cognitive Utilises the stages of human cognitive development Incorporates the effects of our social environment and cultural tools (language, symbols) (Piaget, Vygotsky) http://www.artspacecharter.org/gallery/butterfly-life-cycle-and-spider-web-art/
6. Theoretical Models of Learning https://www.twenty20.com/photos/c9ee2787-0999-4126-9d6d-0157e298ceef Humanistic Learning identifies and focuses on individual students’ philosophical approaches to life and their needs in their journey toward self-fulfillment Learner-centered Teacher as facilitator (Maslow, Rogers) Social Cognitive People can learn by their own observations of other’s behaviour & learn how to act according to the outcomes of those behaviors & may choose whether to imitate what learned (Bandura)
7. Theoretical Models of Learning https://time.com/5679885/hong-kong-protest-art-agitprop-illustration/ ‘Dozens of Designers Work in Shifts to Create Hong Kong Protest Art. Here Are Some Examples of Their Work’ Time Constructivist Learning is a process of constructing meanings Cognitive constructivism: assimilate new information within existing understandings Social Constructivism: knowledge negotiated via social engagement and cultural symbols/language; questioning and collaborating together (von Glaserfeld, Piaget, Vygotsky)
8. ‘Learning’… A product & a process Is both internal and external = learning tools + implicit beliefs (Claxton 1999, p.83) Traditionally teacher-centred Is increasingly learner-centred Is new actions & thinking, repeated Led by human cognitive stages Affected by social environments & cultural tools (writing, symbols) Can work with individual needs and philosophies Is constructed from prior knowledge Can by formed via social interaction Is obtainable from observing others Photo Courtesy Allan Schmidt, ‘Bessie Davidson’s last painting, Art Gallery of SA’, 2020