Cognitivism

Decade after decade we seem to always ask the same question which learning theory more accurately portrays how we as humans learn. Education course after education course always focuses on the major learning theories behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivist to name a few. It never fails that an instructor asks, Which learning theory best represents how we learn? What I have found in teaching in my own classroom and reading about the experiences of others there is no one theory fits all.

Bill Kerr in his blog makes note that these theories "do not stand still. They evolve; they listen to criticism and move on." Making a valid point that these theories are forever changing, to me this means that they can continue to grow as education changes. When these theories were constructed education was much different than today. These same theories can be applied to learning that occurs with the aid of technology that certainly didn't exist when Skinner and Piaget among other elaborated on these theories. Bill Kerr also pointed out that even though it is easy to make criticisms of these theories they are hard to ignore because they all hold some truth. Learning is a process that takes all forms. Karl Kapp makes it clear that we should take the best attributes from the learning theories and put them into practice in our teaching, I couldn't agree more. More importantly he was able to quote Bill Kerr when he said that each theory offers "something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right." I also couldn't agree more with Kapp that the theory become more applicable depending on the situation in which learning occurs.

I couldn't agree with these two blogs more. We have to be open minded as educators and understand that learning occurs on different levels. No matter how we get to the end result, the most important thing is be able to prove that learning occurs. As I have looked at different learning theories over time and analyzed them for different reasons, I have to say I always believe that all learning theories have useful ideas. We have to admit as educators if the all the theories didn't hold some sort of merit they wouldn't still be argued.

Siemens "Metaphors of Educators"

Siemens “Metaphors of Educators”

 

Siemens gives four alternative titles to educators in today’s changing society.  The four metaphors he refers to are Master Artist, Network Administrator, Concierge, and Curator.  In all four descriptions he acknowledges that the teacher has expertise in their field, however, they guide learners in different ways to gain knowledge.

A master artist would be “able to observe the activities of all students and draw attention to innovative approaches.”  (Siemens, 2008, p. 15)  In this role the teacher would be able to evaluate all learners work, but make sure that those who are most successful at reaching the desired learning outcome are highlighted.  Learners are given set of expectations and given the freedom to create their own “art”.  The role of the network administrator would be “to assist learner in forming connections and creating learning networks.” (2008, p.16)  The teacher would be able to give enough information to get students started and let them create their own path to reach the desired learning outcome.  Learners are given expectations and design their learning plan. The role of a concierge would be to push students in the direction of information that they may not be aware of.  (2008, p. 16)  The teacher would be a source of knowledge, but only gives enough information to set a direction for learning.  The learner will be left to fully discover information on their own.  A curator would create spaces where knowledge can be explored and connected; a learning environment that is not teacher centered. (2008, p. 17)  The teacher will allow students to explore as freely as they like, however the key concepts will be enforced by the teacher. 

As I think about the role of an instructor in a digital classroom or workplace, I think of instructors serving as a master artist/network administrator/concierge/curator.  The role of an instructor is forever changing.  All four descriptions fit the needs of a digital classroom or workplace.  I really think that the learning task and the learners play a part in the role the teacher must play.  In a learning situation such a blog or an online discussion, like Siemens points out, the teacher could serve as a master artist. When a student makes a good point the teacher draws attention to their “art”.  If giving a research task the teacher may need to serve as a concierge, allowing students to come for direction, but at the same time setting them out on their own.  Learners working in groups may need for the teacher to serve as the network administrator.  Then when students are given a simple task they need to know the concepts but have the ability to go out on their own to master them.  I believe that a single teacher wears many faces and he or she has to differentiate based on various learning situations.  I agree with Siemens, all “four models, blend the concept of educator expertise with learner construction.” (2008, p.17) It is important to let learners take ownership of their learning whether in a standard or digital learning situation.

Reference
Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Information retrieved on September 9, 2012; fromhttp://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens