Personal Learning Theory - Revisited 1

Personal Learning Theory - Revisited

Thought Question 2

Kevin Kaiser 88480975

University of British Columbia

ETEC 512

Cliff Falk

December 2, 2006
 Personal Learning Theory - Revisited 2

Personal Learning Theory – Revisited

After all of the reading and interaction with the students in ETEC 512, my

personal learning theory has been fine-tuned. I originally thought of myself as a

constructivist, and to a certain extent, this theory holds true. I still learn best when I take

ownership of my knowledge. One statement put forth by the constructivism group fit my

learning theory. “For the cognitive constructivist, authentic experiences are essential so

that the individual can construct an accurate representation of the "real" world, not a

contrived world.” (8 Principles) This theory works well for the way I learn, but as a

teacher I need incorporate more ways of knowing than my own theory.

My teaching theory, which is intertwined with my learning theory, has gone

through the biggest change over the last few months. Struggling with the concept map,

made me think about the way I am transmitting knowledge to my students The

behaviourists in my class, and there are some that need a goal and incentive, benefit from

an approach that incorporates the carrot on a stick. On another level, Vigotsky allowed

me to see learning as a continuum that, in comparison to Piaget, can evolve when ready.

To an extent, these theories are intertwined, and so should my teaching style.

After revisiting, and restructuring my concept map, I was forced to expand my

understanding of how I learned. It was difficult, and helpful at the same time. I relied on

classmates for feedback, and ended up constructing my own knowledge of what it means

to learn.

When both my students and I are learning at our best, the lines of behaviourism,

cognitivism, and constructivism blur to make a true blended learning. While I agree with

Anderson, “However, we can expect that online learning, like all forms of quality
 Personal Learning Theory - Revisited 3

learning, will be knowledge, community, assessment, and learner centered.” (Anderson)

I must step back and make my quasi-constructive theory work for my long-term success

as a teacher and a student.

 Personal Learning Theory - Revisited 4

References

Anderson, Terry. Toward a Theory of Online Learning. Athabasca University. Retreived,

November 23, 2006, from

http://www.webct.ubc.ca:80/SCRIPT/etec_512_64b/scripts/serve_home

8 Principles of Constructivism: breaks down the 8 Principles of Constructivism: breaks

down the 8 Principles of Constructivism. Retreived, November 23, 2006,

from http://edpsychserver.ed.vt.edu/workshops/tohe1999/pedagogy.html