CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction Learning varies on each and everyone. Individuals can perceive and process information in different kinds of ways, which implies that the degree to which individuals learn has as much as to do with whether the learning experience is geared to their style of learning. Some of the individuals learn and develop easily in the early stage, while others are not. For some time now educational research exploring the issue of academic achievement or success has extended beyond simple issues of intelligence and prior academic achievement. One concept in particular which has provided some valuable insights into learning both academic and other settings is learning style. There is
…show more content…
All of us have the capacity to learn in all four modes. You naturally gravitate to one over the others based on which style has led to your greatest learning successes.
Background of the Study People are not alike; the world is seen in a way that makes the most sense to each individual. Since two persons are not basically alike, not all benefits from the same approach. Each individual has his or her own unique learning strengths and weaknesses. Thus, educators must use a variety of method to reach the students. This research study has brought together academic study (knowing), personal growth (being) and practical experience (doing). In choosing the research topic, the researchers observed the different setting inside the classroom – the environment inside the classroom and how the students cope during lectures. At the outset it seemed that the members had different issues and interests. As the concerns were discussed and personal experiences were shared, the research group seemingly integrated each other’s thinking and move toward a consensus. Brainstorming was used to help the group decide on which topic to research on as a number of suggestions were narrowed down to the most appropriate choice. The sharing of ideas made all of the researchers more aware of the complexities of the problem. And this has led them to the issue on the different learning styles of students.
Learning can be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through experience, independent or collaborative study, and teachings under guided instruction (Fisher & Frey, 2008). One of the most efficient processes of learning that promotes progressive knowledge and skill development is a process that focusses on learning styles (Weaver, 2010). √ The key term ‘learning style’ can be described as the preferential mode a learner adopts when gain knowledge or skills (Honey, 2006). There are a number of different versions of models and frameworks that can be used to help a student nurse to identify their own personal learning needs (Sherwin &Stevenson, 2011).√ These include Kolb’s (1984) Experiential Learning Cycle, Gibbs' Reflective Cycle (Gibbs, 1988), and Johns’ and Carper’s model of structured reflection (Johns, 2009). √By using these tools a student nurse can identify their learning needs and may consider it beneficial for the student to undertake further methods of analysis such as Honey’s (2006) The Learning Styles Questionnaire which is based on Honey and Mumford’s Learning Inventory (Honey, 1982). The Honey and Mumford inventory is a compilation of descriptions used to categorise learners based upon behaviours and attitudes. These categories include activist; reflector; theorist; and pragmatist (Honey, 2006). √ An understanding of learning
The information provided in this assignment will allow me a better understanding of the variety of ways a student can learn. This will impact on my future as it will allow me to become a more successful classroom practitioner and allow me to recognise and cater for a variety of styles in
In the last 20-30 years, learning styles has been a heavily debated topic in the field of education. Many teachers and schools have adopted the learning style approach into their classrooms. The idea of teaching students according to their preferred learning style is attracting to many, yet some believe it is another generalized theory that has little or no validity. Research over time has investigated the implications of using the learning style theory in classrooms and in the work place. Much of the research that has been conducted thus far show positive results of its effectiveness.
In the field of cognitive psychology, it is generally accepted that people approach problem solving and decision making in significantly different way. (Robertson, 1985, p. 19) Conversely, it is often contested that these differences are definite to the degree that they can be modeled. (Logan & Thomas, 2002, p. 29) Furthermore, among those who believe these differences in cognition can be modeled, there are further divergences as to how these differences ought to be modelled. Moreover, there are those who seek to understand the impact of these learning styles on individual’s academic performance. (PD , Week 3) In 2004, Coffield et al presented a list of some of the predominant learning style models. The aforementioned list featured an impressive number of learning style theories, displaying the vastness and disparity of the research being done in the field. While there is still no consensus on the appropriate model for learning styles, it is generally accepted that appealing to an individual 's learning style, in almost all models, aids in the individual 's consumption and retention of educational material. (Fleming, 1995, pg. 1)
Individuals learn at different rates and in different ways. It is important that educators need to aware about the needs, interest, abilities and previous learning so that educational strategies can develop accordingly (Felder 1996). Learning styles may be defined simply as the way people come to understand and remember information (Brown 1998, p.1). The variations in definition tend to reflect the perspectives of different learning style models - personality, information processing, social interaction or instructional preferences (Griggs 1991). Many researchers recommend educators provide a diverse range of learning activities, in an effort to accommodate differences in learning styles (Harris et al 1995, Brown 1998, Felder & Silverman 1998). However more recent investigation has found that merely increasing the range of teaching methods used has not been associated with an
Students learn in various ways. There are many theories that can be incorporated into teaching. These theories help students better grasp and understand course work. The thing to remember about learning is that it is ever changing. Teachers must adapt in order to accommodate the new learning styles presented throughout a period of time. When thinking of learning, change is a main concept that should be understood and enforced by administrators. Teachers know what works for them and what works for their students. The education 500 class has taught students that understanding their own styles of learning can help better instruct those around them. One can never stop advancing their knowledge and expanding their research. One main thing for teachers to do is to keep up with current issues and events, so that they understand the educational world around them.
Understanding how children learn and therefore finding the best approach in how to educate students is the fundamental role of a teacher. If a teacher can properly understand the limitations that a student has in regard to learning and what inhibits them to be able to learn and then, in theory, a teacher can give them an individual approach to their education which will mean that they thrive in a classroom to the best of their ability. There are many theories regarding how a student is able to learn and a teacher would not be short in reading material to help them understand their students. However lots of these theories contradict one another and some have been tested on only a small number of subjects, some of whom are not even human. Throughout this essay I am going to be considering some of these theories and reflect on how they relate to the classroom and how useful they may be in practice. I am going to be considering examples from my own limited teaching practice and how effective and relevant these theories may be. This particular essay appealed to me due to my current teaching practice in a SEN school and I felt that considering this essay title would help to inform my own teaching the best. The students I teach epitomise Teacher’s Standard 5 and it is essential that I consider differentiation and adapting to a student’s needs in every lesson I teach, perhaps more directly than in a mainstream setting. Student’s in all schools however have differing needs and I will
Scientists’ interest in researching the learning processes have both basic and applied value. Basic research may demonstrate a causal relationship between variables and learning leading to a better understanding of the essential processes of knowledge acquisition and application. Applied research facilitates the understanding of specific problems occurring in real life. This research will expedite solutions to specific sets of problems. Researchers seek to resolve the discrepancies relating to the body of concepts and theories relating to learning using various approaches (Terry, 2009).
Currently there are intense ongoing debates about the importance of using learning style models and theories in post-secondary educational circles and the utilization of these models.
The teacher may acquire mastery of the contents but lack skills in the appropriate methods. This may affect the students understanding of the subjects.
Do not place too much faith in any one learning styles theory. Most are not very robust or reliable. A learning style should not be thought of as an absolute, nor should it be considered the main determinant of intelligence, ability or
Loo, (2002) described a learning style as a coherent technique that a learner reacts to or rather relates with stimuli within learning circumstances. Learning strategies such as time management and self-assessment skills serves as an integral fragment of learning process within the academic environment (Javis, 2012).According to Honey and Mumford, (1986) personalised individual approaches to
Learning style theories are perspectives to determine how and why people learn like they do. There are many theorists who have a view on how people develop and understand learning, such as Honey and Mumford (Peter Honey and Alan Mumford, 1985), David Kolbe (1984), Howard Gardner (Multiple intelligence, 1983), Neil Fleming (VARK, 2001) and Edgar Dale (Cone of experience, 1954). I will talk about some of these and apply them to practice when working with young people, I will also demonstrate that I have knowledge and understanding of these theories by applying them to what I have learnt in year one at Nottingham University.
Throughout the history of American education there have been many innovational techniques implemented into schools for teachers to convey concepts that are better retained and learned by students. These innovations include classroom management techniques as well as varying teaching methods focusing on the different learning styles of each student. There are several common teaching practices that are used in modern schools in order to cater to individual student’s learning style that have offered students with an opportunity for optimal learning. Studies have shown that certain methods of teaching are better than others and offer insight as to which methods should be considered in order to give students the best possible opportunity to learn the most they can within the classroom. There is no one teaching style that presents information tactfully for each individual student’s learning style, but there are things that can be done in order to cater to the needs of more students.
For proceeding with this study on the mentioned topic, we started by understanding the various theories of psychology of education and learning. We then moved onto understand the application and adaptation of these theories and evaluating the success and failure thereby aiding us to identify how individual differences affect teaching and learning of young people and children. As we go on, we evaluated the implications of teaching and learning. Finally, we have concluded with the recommendation in line with our findings from the study.