Chapter 2: Reflections on Personal Learning Theory Preferences

Reading chapter 2 made me think about which learning theory applies best to my experiences. While it can be beneficial to know the driving forces behind how we are taught, until challenged with this question I would venture to say that this is not something most of us have ever considered with any real intentions. I identify the most with the behavioral and constructivist approaches to learning with the former influencing my early learning and the latter influencing my Masters programs and my own approach to teaching.

Behaviorist

I would dare to say that most everyone in this course was educated through high school (and perhaps through their undergraduate education) with behaviorism driving their learning. We were “rewarded” with grades for our performances and “reinforced” with positive comments from teachers as we worked to achieve stated outcomes. Principles of behaviorism are still alive and well in the adult learning arena – especially in the natural sciences. In particular, the nursing field which values evidence-based practice, is a prime example of the behaviorist perspective. Like the text mentioned, a drawback to this approach is that what each individual brings to the learning process is overlooked. Can you think of a course you've taken that was built around behaviorism learning theory?

Constructivist

In the Masters programs I completed as an adult, constructivist approaches to learning were mostly used. Where behaviorist approaches focused on the same learning outcomes for the entire class, a constructivist approach assumes that each learner while still achieving those same learning outcomes will come at them differently based on their own experiences and interpretations. There’s a focus on experiential learning and reflective practice – two components I believe lead to transformative learning.

Self-Assessment Resource

The Activities and Resources section of chapter 2 provided a link for Zinn’s Philosophy of Adult Education Inventory (PAEI) which didn’t resolve for me. A quick Google search led me to a book called “Adult Learning Methods” which contained the PAEI self-assessment. I took this inventory to see if my results were aligned with the learning theories I thought I identified with as I read the chapter. Surprisingly, when I totaled my responses my highest score (71) pointed to a preference for the Humanist leaning theory followed by Behaviorist with 69 points. I was surprised with these results – as I read the chapter I had figured that the Humanist learning theory sounded least like me. I went back to reread the section and found that the student-centered approach to learning resonated with me. After some additional reflection, I can see components of each of the theories present in my teaching and in my learning which I don't think is a bad thing. I encourage you all to take the assessment and see if your results are in line with the theory you self-identified with after reading the chapter.

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Sharma, P. L. (2006). Adult Learning Methods. Sarup & Sons. Available from https://books.google.com/books?id=hhZlAywdX8oC&pg=PA45&dq=PAEI+self+scoring+appendix&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HLG6VOPONYLngwTEi4GoDg&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=PAEI%20self%20scoring%20appendix&f=false pp. 50-60.