How Do You Learn - Essay Example

Order 312667 Topic: PEOPLE LEARN IN DIFFERENT WAYS Introduction Theory is other man’s experience. Books are the storehouses of knowledge arranged by the labor of the writers. Many internal and external forces influence one’s craving for learning. There are brilliant amongst the brilliants who have not reached the threshold of schools/colleges. Such individuals belong to the college of self-education, where their mind is their principal; the initiative their professors; the hard work their tutors. People do learn in different ways. Learning does not mean turning the pages of the book, and burn the midnight oil. The ideal learning environment is the one that involves good balance between the activities, students own efforts along with craving for knowledge and systematic teaching and guidance. “According to some observers, we are on the brink of a revolution in the educational system-sparked by wrenching economic and demographic forces and fuelled by rapid social and technological changes that render a “front-loaded” educational strategy obsolete. New challenges for social justice and equal opportunity are arising…” (Kolb1983, p. 2) Industrial and internet revolution have added new dimensions to the process of acquiring and retaining the knowledge. What one learns is no doubt important; but how one learns, what one learns is more important. Fragmentary pieces of knowledge to gain some quick ends and for a particular purpose are quickly forgotten and would not serve any tangible purpose in one’s life. Knowledge acquired needs to be of lasting value and it should contribute for the personality and inner growth of an individual. Teaching is important but assessment of the individual is more important. Wrong assessment of an individual’s talents may make him directionless and destination less in life. If one’s potentialities are misjudged, that is the greatest disservice to his life. Learning is an ongoing process that encompasses the entire life. The different ways are, learning by doing, by reading and by listening. Each one of these alternatives has advantages, but the ideal way to learn is to combine all these, and act appropriate to the situation. The role of practice and experience is the most important one. Take for example the operation of computer. One may possess expert theory knowledge about the operation of the computer, but unless the operator’s fingers move fast and accurate over the keyboard, one can not be a good computer operator. Speed in typing and memory of the syllables of the keyboard, can only be acquired through practice. To learn by personal experience is the ideal method. One is able to analyze mistakes and not repeat them in future. “How do you learn? People learn in different ways. And no one has a better learning style than anyone else. Some experts say there are as many as seven different learning styles; but its easier to narrow it down to three types of learning . . . well call them: Listening learners, Seeing learners, Touch / experience learners” (Shirley….)Take for example-- mastery over the language need not come through grammar. Some of the finest authors may not know what is ‘past participle’ or a ‘gerund.’ Normally a child can speak its mother-tongue fluently by the age of 4-5, or even before being admitted to the school. It learns the language by direct experience/ interaction with the mother, father, brothers and sisters or young friends. Mother did not begin with teaching grammar to the child. Many self-made millionaires in business have never taken a lesson in economics. They are practical people whose sixth sense backed up by experience works wonders for them. The author, David A Kolb, explains a model based on research in psychology, philosophy and physiology. His structural model embraces different academic disciplines and careers. He provides the foundation for the field of learning through experience. The experiential strategies explained in the book, have all-time value and they have the strength to face the onslaught of internet revolution and retain their importance in the field of learning. “A four-stage cyclical theory of learning, Kolb’s experiential learning theory is a holistic perspective that combines experience, perception, cognition, and behavior.” (Experiential…) His Experiential Learning Theory presents a cyclical model of learning. It consists of four stages. “Concrete experience (or “DO”), reflective observation (or “OBSERVE”), abstract conceptualization (or “THINK”), active experimentation (or “PLAN”).” (Experiential….) This cycle indicates how experience is translated through reflection into concepts. Next they become the foundation for further active experimentation and criteria of new experiences. “The first stage, concrete experience (CE), is where the learner actively experiences an activity such as a lab session or field work. The second stage, reflective observation (RO), is when the learner consciously reflects back on that experience. The third stage, abstract conceptualization (AC), is where the learner attempts to conceptualize a theory or model of what is observed. The fourth stage, active experimentation (AE), is where the learner is trying to plan how to test a model or theory or plan for a forthcoming experience.”(Experiential….) From this launching pad of learning, Kolb further elaborates how to take off smoothly. He explains about the four learning styles which correspond to these stages. The styles indicate the favorable conditions as per which the learners are able to learn and assimilate better. “Assimilators, who learn better when presented with sound logical theories to consider, convergers, who learn better when provided with practical applications of concepts and theories, accommodators, who learn better when provided with “hands-on” experiences divergers, who learn better when allowed to observe and collect a wide range of information”(Experiential….) The wise saying goes, ‘one thing at a time, and that done well, is a very good rule, as many can tell!’ The learning styles enunciated by Kolb, ultimately mean the same. Do one thing at a time, and do it perfectly applying your total concentration. Such an approach will yield better results. Kolb indicates that one cannot do both at the same time. If one persists with such an approach, it will result in conflict and confusion. For a new learning situation, one needs to think afresh and make suitable decisions. This is one’s internal decision what one wishes to do or watch or whether to think or feel. “That learning is an increasing preoccupation for everyone is not surprising. The emerging “global village,” where events in places we have barely heard of quickly disrupt our daily lives, the dizzying rage of change, and the exponential growth of knowledge all generate nearly overwhelming needs to learn just to survive.”(p.2) Conclusion: In educational institutions, the majority of teachers who face behavior problems in the classrooms, have the support of a valuable asset on their side—the learning styles! Teachers can use them for better control and administration of their classrooms. The influence of Kolb’s methods of learning can be clearly seen in those learning styles. In auditory learning children listen to the information conveyed by the teachers. Teacher is the ruler here and the children listen, if necessary by asking questions and getting their doubts cleared. The teacher’s authority is final because he is expected to have vast experience in his style of teaching and the information he has gathered to deliver the lectures. In visual learning, the audience sees and learns. Diagrams are drawn, posters are shown, and normally an overhead projector displays information. The information conveyed stipulates discussion between the teacher and the audience. The visual impact lasts for a long time, and in certain cases it is everlasting. In tactile/kinesthetic learning, the audience takes part in the activities. Teachers will only give directions and audience is split up into groups. This is learning by exercise and experience. The latent talents of the participants are displayed and in some cases startling results are possible. In the ultimate analysis, learning styles are all about grasping experience and transforming experience. ========== References Kolb, David A 1983, ‘Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development’, Prentice Hall; 1 edition. Shirley, Randall ‘Which one are you?’ The World’s premier online Directory of Education. Retrieved on July 30, 2009. Experiential Learning (Kolb) at Learning Theories Summary: A four-stage cyclical theory of learning, Kolbs experiential. Retrieved on July 30, 2009. Read More