A REFLECTION FROM WEEK 1
2 things about me:
1. I was an accountant
2. I moved to Rockhampton to pursue the GDLT study internally.
Who cares? TEACHERS!
I had no idea until I read this weeks materials, but those 2 statements alone share SO much about my learning style.
I decided to complete the Felder & Solomon Learning Style Inventory....how accurate can it be right?
Let's look at my strong preferences:
Sensing v Intuitive
Visual v Verbal
Sequential v Global
Now how does that relate to being an accountant?
Sensing - like facts, well established methods, patient with details, comfortable with mathematical formulas, good at memorising facts, practical, routine, links to the "real world"
Visual - use diagrams, flow charts and visual aids to reflect ideas, colour coding
Sequential - understand linear, logical steps, sometimes struggle to see the "big picture"
Wendy mentioned in the Week 1 overview that the materials have been structured in a way that both sequential AND global learners' needs are met...LUCKY!
Learning Theories
I included the second statement about me as a link to talk about learning styles.
I am a strong believer in Social Constructivism. So much so that I relocated from Townsville to Rockhampton to be physically present in a learning community where through social interactions and face-to-face tutorials I can learn how to become the best teacher I can possibly be.
I believe that "learning" is a state within an individual (the light bulb has to switch on internally).
It can happen externally, but does she REALLY get it?
We may well have access to a multitude of resources and have information anywhere, anytime but it is how we process the information (through Behaviourism, Cognitism or Social Constructivism theories) that facilitates true understanding/comprehension/learning. I don't believe Connectivism is a theory but more a way to support "learning" in an information gathering context.
Food for thought....
Below is a photo of my favourite artwork I have hanging on a wall at home. I bought it from a local artist on a recent holiday to China. As he explained, the painting reflects his interpretation of the famous quote by ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius:
"When there are 3 people walking, my teacher is bound to be among them"
Social Constructivism or Connectivism? ..............