Learning Theories' Impact on Technical Education

Learning Theories' Impact on Technical Education

I have seen a profound change within instructional practices in technical education as a greater awareness of learning theories is discovered. According to Davis, Edmunds & Kelly-Bateman (2008) learning occurs through the connections in networks. The impact that differentiation has on instruction in all settings is remarkable in my opinion. Too often the disconnect is not knowing where to apply acquisition of skill set and the approach best for the learning need of the students.

As an educator for more than 15 years I have noticed an impact towards my understanding of learner’s instructional needs as I am developing a more indebt awareness of the renowned learning theorist. It has been since I was an undergraduate that I studied in isolation the Behaviorist, Cognitive, Constructivist, Social Learning, Connectivism, and Adult Learning theories. Having researched the connection among these theories and how the greater impact is affecting student’s instructional outcomes I have taken the following approach towards instructional design and leadership.

·       Require that educators reflect more on their instruction and their student’s outcomes.

·       Provide opportunities for educators to share their best practices via the use of technology (i.e.) blogs, learning circles, and web conferencing.

·       Evaluate the effectiveness of teacher’ instruction towards the outcomes and its impact on student success.

·       Develop internal provisions for technological advancements and application.

·       Provide professional learning opportunities for instructors.

In a quest to make these learning outcomes a reality it will take a change in the way education is viewed. There must be a change agent in the planning for instruction, thus there must also be corrective action towards existing practices.  The implementation of technology in all classroom settings is paramount. Daily use of applied applications is necessary towards providing students with learning resources associated with industry needs. There is a need for educators to be proficient in their skills and demonstration of effective use of technology.

These are the areas that I have identified from my learning and studies of the Learning Theories. In short, they are necessary for quality instruction. There must be a connection among all theorist and learning behaviors alike. In the profession of education collaboration both in physical practice and the concentration of self study go hand in hand. As I continue to address the learning needs of students, I will also focus on the current instructional outcomes and provide corrective action based the evidence in practice as associations with the learning theories are developed.

Resources:

Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelley-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from: http://project.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism

By: Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD