My View on Learning Theories and Learning Styles

Think of a 500 piece puzzle and how it would not be complete without all the pieces interlocking with each other. The result would not be seen unless it was placed correctly. This example describes the Learning Theories/Learning Styles that people adapt over the course of their lives. Like the puzzle, many different learning styles can be adapted and utilized throughout life, adding new ones as people learn and getting rid of ones that do not fit right with what is trying to be learned is the key to the success of learning. If people understand exactly what learning theories or learning styles are needed to fit then learning will come easily.

I use to think that I learned only one way, which was by visualization. What I have learned through all the research done in creating the Learning Theories and Instruction is that I actually utilize an array of different Learning Theories and Learning Styles. I actually have formulated over the course of my lifetime of learning a bit of Behaviorism, Cognition, Constructivism, Social Learning, Connectivism, and Adult Learning. I now understand the factors that influence learning. For example, Social Learning Theory proves that people learn by way of observing. A bit of me has the need to observe other people before I learn, this to me is a perfect example of visualization. Another theory that I have utilized in my past learning is Cognitive Theory. Cognitive theory used the concept of encode, store and retrieve. I too, have done this many of times in my learning process. I have encoded previous experiences, stored them in the LTM, then retrieved them as I needed to learn new things especially when trying to problem solve.

Now that technology is playing a big part in the learning process for many, it is beneficial to formulate the Connectivism Theory and the style of complex learning. Being able to create networks and connections with others as to learn by way of sharing with other network communities. The diversity and knowledge that one person can obtain is endless.

I have never enrolled and participated in an online course until now, and I can tell you that it is not easy. The question is can a person that needs Social learning theory, like me, learn online with the least amount of attention. I have found the answer to be yes, because of the Adult Learning Theory of motivation and self-directed learning, anyone can be motivated to learn even the things that do not interest them as much. I have learned to create blogs, map my mind for whatever needs structure, and aggregate information between others so as to have a community network. I can say that I have learned with the least "direct" or "teacher centered" instruction possible and still have learned.

In my opinion learning is a life long process and no matter how well a person feels they learn the best there is always something new to learn and a new style created to help him or her. Like that of the 500 piece puzzle, interlocking all theories and styles will create an ideal picture, or a well learned individual.