Applying Theory to Learner and Learning Process - Case Study Example

Reflective Learning Institution Affiliation Student Name ASSIGNMENT 2 PART 1 "Reflection on learning" Working as a school administration has been of great importance to me as I have to interact with a different student from different countries. I took the job as trainees as an essential thing since it was part of my education in University. It was a requirement for me to graduate as a professional administrator. One of the things I noted about some student in the University is that majority of them were in dire need of training regarding reading to facilitate their growth and development. Therefore, it was through teaching that majority would learn from their physical environment in grounding for their cognitive development. The three months in university were not that easy as I had to ensure I submit all the student details to my supervisor on time. At one point there is an incident I clearly remember in the university about two students who just joined the University. One was called Dorcas who was so friendly and easily interacts with her fellow students easily. While Mercy was a brilliant student in class, even though she could not relate to other students in class, in other words, she possessed an introvert personality. In most cases, the University surrounding did no offer a helpful place where students can interact easily. In general, it was as a result of student coming from the diverse background, with a different personality and therefore exposing some of the students to the toxic atmosphere. Before, the outgoing and friendly students had a tough time to adjust to the environment as at times it didn't accommodate them. Like Dorcas didn't get it easy despite his character of being hostile, and this was evident the way she handled people and her assertiveness and her performances in class. Later on, after a semester ends, Dorcas became the friend to many students even though some lectures and students did not like her behaviors. I came to learn later about her behavior after she tried to handle me violently because some of her details were missing in the student portal, and also when some student most times have reported her to the university management that she did not allow other students to engage in extra curriculum activities like tennis playing. Surprisingly, the girl works hard and even lead some group discussions even though she never becomes the best student in class. Academically, she was average student despite working hard. On the other hand, her friend Mercy was a very talented musician all the way as for praise and worship in her local church and also compiling songs during her free time. Something she inherited from her late grandmother. But could not interact easily with her fellow student, and also She could not express herself in class due to shyness However she was always the best student in class since I joined the university. At some point in class, she could not respond to the lecturer's question due to shyness and lack of self-esteem. I can remember well when I was told to reassign them questions by their teacher, and I asked her question, but she could not talk and instead shy off. She also did not participate in other activities outside class except singing while she is alone. Later on, I came to learn that Mercy is coming from an indigent background and was only raised by her grandfather after the death of both of her parents and therefore the only option for her was to work hard in class Surprising, this two girls did not like each other because of their unmatched personality as both of them did not like the other one's character. Even though, the University student leader has in place various activities to bring student together, for instance, friendly matches with other nearby Universities. And it was a way of engaging student from the diverse background and influence on their behavior, both in college and outside the school environment. Since I came to the university, I have been able to see the violent student is more focus on her studies, despite possessing some inappropriate behavior. This is because Dorcas has been in the forefront to help her colleagues and also to try something new even if she does understand what that thing is. Therefore, through that, it is possible for the lecturer to identify what she is talented on and maybe to help her. Another lesson I learned is that individual's background can influence one's behavior. Their inconsistent behavior also pushed me as a school administration to make both the student the head of school football. To work together to ensure the activities are well planned. As it will help them adopt better behavior that will be an example to other students. And at the end of the week, I observed that both two created a very conducive and viable environment for the student in the university regarding curricular activities. These two life events have changed my life and influenced my attitude towards learning and development. An individual need to appreciate each other, irrespective of your background as someone may have an influence in your life. At some point, things change so that we learn from one another. Working in the University for the last one year had a very substantial impact on me as I came to learn the need and development of young students. The reflection can be used to examine the effect of creating a conducive learning environment for all students irrespective of one's background that later on will enable them to improve on their performances ASSIGNMENT TWO PART 2 "Applying theory to learner and learning process." 1.0 Introduction In learning it involves the process of developing different theories to discuss on how these theories help in the learning process. Therefore this case study will reveal on how the behaviors of learners can be applied in improving the learning strategies and approaches. Furthermore on how the other educational expertise can be enhanced by the use of learning strategies. The report will only major on one student who is Dorcas from the case study. Furthermore, it will explore different theories and relate them to the case study and finally make a conclusion about the study. 2.0 Overview of the case study The case study was about an experience as a school administrator in the university. I learned many things as I interacted with the different student from diverse background and who have different behavior and personality. Later on, I came to know that majority of student are in dire need of help as they possess different behavior. In other words, the majority of people learn from their surroundings as a way of preparing themselves for cognitive improvement. From the case study, the focus was on two students that are Dorcas and Mercy, whose behaviors were revolving around their learning environment. Both of them were talented in their ways, for instance, Dorcas was a bit ruthless and wanted to engage herself in different activities while mercy was a bit introvert even though she was a bright student who excelled in academic. You realize after some few months in the University Dorcas had many friends even though others did not like her behaviors. I learned her habits after one day she confronted me about an issue and also after she was reported to the university management of her reactions by fellow students. Irrespective of her behaviors she was a hardworking girl who took her studies serious even though she never became the best student in the class. Whereas Mercy, who tend to be an introvert and could shy off when asked a question in class, was an active student when it comes to an academic, in fact, she used to be the best student in class. She also didn't have the majority of the friend. She also did not engage in other extra activities excepting singing in her local church as a praise and worship person. Therefore, for the three months in the University, I learned that both two students were gifted in different ways. For instance, Dorcas who seems to be so engaging in various activities, it was very easy to identify her talent and help her achieve it. In conclusion, the case study clearly highlighted the important aspect of one's behavior in impacting one's performances in school. 3.0 Identification and Discussion of How the Learner "Learned" or "Did not Learn. 3.1 Learning Style or Disposition According to Phillips & Jonas (2009), provision refers to a way that a student fascinates methods and maintains information. Therefore, the personality of a student will indicate their style of learning. For instance, the way Dorcas associates with her fellow students shows that she is a friendly person. She is influenced by other student's characters, and her learning style involves group works that emulate her understandings. 3.2 Personality—to be changed The persona of the learner developed as a very crucial part of the learning. For instance, Dorcas has a very active character type. People who are linked with this kind of character are always enthusiastic and flexible to deal with ( DeJong, 2010). Such kinds of individuals are always outgoing and easily make friends with people and to some point interact well with different people. That sort of personality from the case study is relevant to Dorcas, who in every case was relating well with the majority of students. 3.3 Learning Preferences The learning capability of an individual depends on her traits or characters. Therefore the way one understand and process what they have learned depend on an individual. Due to that reason, Dorcas who is outgoing person prefers to learn from other students and outside the school 3.4 Different types of Intelligence The fact that Dorcas has multiple different personalities, people are said to possess various types of character. According to Ormrod &Jeanne (2012), this kind of character are very mutual to every learner, and some of this intelligence include; interactive personality, musical and visual spatial. These characters are portrayed by Dorcas as she is very friendly, she feels at ease while working with others. She is also able to engage in different activities. Therefore, through learning Dorcas, it is easier to apply a behavioral theory of learning, through behavioral theory it is observed that she was able to learn through group work approach 3.5 The effect of strengths and interest on the learner In learning, there are different ways a student can find out if the lesson is interesting. Therefore, the following dimensions of learning always occur mostly: According Meyers (2008), the possibility of an individual to come up with arithmetic equations, subtraction and forming of the equation require some skills and passion. Also, the issue to learn an individual's emotions, their motives and interest to other people, and different behaviors within a particular environment of learning is very critical. Therefore, intelligence only exists in the aspect of learning. According to Illeris ( 2004). In each situation, a person tends to have some intelligence even before they are more exposed to the process of learning. Therefore, making a person willing to learn any new thing they are not aware. And the learners must develop an interest for them to learn. The eager for a student to want to learn more act as a motivating factor in the process of learning. As compared to learning, Dorcas has a reasonable and interest in learning both inside and outside the global, which means she is inspired by others to find out more. 3.6 Framework of the learning surrounding This case took place in a university setting, in which student was new to their learning surroundings. Therefore learners were exposed to different learning practices for instances, on how to balance a worksheet, how to measure cylinders using different apparatus. In some cases, students are expected to carry a ruler to measure some ingredient for research. And make an analysis of a given situation. They are also shown different language signs in using different computer technologies, how to interpret the signs. Even though some responded negatively to the learning surrounding, Dorcas reacted in a different way regarding the learning environment because of her different behaviors and characters. She was able to make use of the apparatus in the experiment but was not able to make an analysis of the study. But in other things like football playing and general learning without practicals, she was able to perform well. Therefore, the fact that the works is assigned to all students and are expected to come up with individual results indicates that the learning took place because it involves people with different personality working together as a group. For that reason, allowing Dorcas and Mercy with another student to work together was a way of ensuring an efficient learning process, because they both have different behaviors, characters, and personalities. This learning process involves behavioral theory, which means learning as you examine your role as compared to your behavior and therefore their actual learning procedure was able to be proved. Which proves that the process of learning took place, because the lecturer monitored the student behavior. And used it to help the student improve on their performances in school, the fact that behavioral theory and constructivist theory were combined also indicates that the learning process was more than effective. The procedure could also be done in a way that it accommodates the emotional wellbeing and psychology of the student in the process of learning (Illeris, 2004). 4.0 The learning theories According to Shunk, (2015), there are various types of approaches involve in learning; some of this theories include behaviorist, constructivist and the development theory called Piaget. Therefore as per the case study, this report will analyze two major theories, for instance, the constructivism and behaviorism 4.1.1 Constructivism Theory This theory was founded on the basis that people understand the place they live or the world from their past experiences. Furthermore, it explains learning as a way of developing individual's mental model to accommodate one's current experience, and also learning entails looking for the meaning of a particular thing. Therefore, it is upon the teachers to fully understand the mental models that some learners use to perceive the world and conventions they make to back up the models. The theory explains more information on the learning practices. Usually, the approach aims at supporting learners to utilize different approaches to creating more knowledge that will reflect on their behaviors and on how their thinking capacity will change. The theory helps teachers in encouraging the students to evaluate on how activities assist them in gaining better understanding; learners in the constructivist class become the professional in learning. Apart from the criticism, the theory does not avoid the roles of both the practitioners and tutors. The method applies to the case study in that, if the constructivism is used, teachers can help learners gain understanding instead of imitating some facts 4. 1.2 Constructivism theory impact on learning It does this by calling for the dismissal of quality curriculum. Instead, it encourages the use of curriculum that is more customized to the learners before acquiring knowledge.it also promotes learning whereby teachers link facts and urging the student to understand them. It can be applied when Dorcas learning style was identified to make her be able to adapt to the current learning understandings and the surrounding . 4.2 Behaviorist Theory This theory describes the way animals and human beings learn and focus more on their behavior and how they conduct themselves emotionally. Some scientists have defined the method as a way of acquiring some behavior that might not be relevant. Furthermore, some research also indicates that the behavioral theory as a condition and it involves learning process with tend to be general in nature. For that reason, two different types of behaviors theory exist which is operant and classical conditioning. The two theories have a different impact on an individual behavior as discussed below. 4.2.1 Operant Conditioning As Willingham & et al. ( 2015), describes operant conditions is a methodology to learning that happens through rewards or by punishing a person for a particular behavior. This forms a relationship between behavior and the result. Most cases operant conditioning only occurs when a stimulus and a response are reinforced. An example of an operant conditioning is an experiment that was done by B.F Skinner to demonstrate to pigeons on the way to dance. It can also be elaborated through a simple response system, by either reward or reinforcement. Therefore changes in the behavior that comes as a result of stimulus-response made by learners are critical in the process of learning. For that reason, in this scenario, there is the argument by the theorist that behavior can be directed by the stimulus. At some point, learners select a particular response before other conditioning and also psychological drives that may exist in a given action. Even though it fails to elaborate on the abnormal behavior regarding the mental issue or the internal operation of the brains, and therefore all behavior that majority of learners obtained are more of learned habits. Furthermore, the theory suggests that the behaviors may at time unlearn and can be replaced by new ones. This theory is more linked to the reward response. As it ensures learning takes place 4.2.2 Classic Conditioning- to be second This theory was developed by Pavlov. It is the most form of learning. It occurs when a typical reaction interacts with a stimulus For example; an experiment was done, using a dog, the dog started salivating once it saw the food. This indicates that a particular stimulus will only respond to its exact response once there is a special connection 4.3 Criticisms of Behaviorist Theory This theory of behaviorist theory has been criticized in different ways. In most cases, it does not justify for all forms of learning, in that it tends to disrespect the activities of the thought. More so, it has also failed to clarify some learning activities for example when children can detect a new languages pattern which doesn't have reinforcement mechanism. Some research has indicated that animals only adapt to the reinforced patterns to the new information, like a rat may respond to maize because it has learned about its reinforcement and therefore it will respond positively to it Willingham & et al., 2015) 4.4 Impacts of behavioral theory in learning The fact that behavioral theory depends on the observable behavior makes It very simple and easy to learn about the behavioral theory. This approach in most cases is used by tutors who at some instances reward or punish the learners because of adopting particular character or behaviors. The theory was applied in the process of learning, whereby an action of Dorcas was identified, and as a way of avoiding bad behaviors or character she is punished for the wrong thing done 5.0 Strategies involves in cognitive and affective perspectives 1. Taking Education as a Personal and Social Healing Agent There are four strategies involving cognitive and affecting perspectives and the above is one . For that reason, some of the learning strategies that are relevant to the learning process below the consideration suggest considering education as an individual matter. If teachers view teaching in a different perspective, they will offer a conducive environment for learning that will accommodate both the psychological and emotional well-being of the learners involved. For that reason, the majority of students do enjoy learning in an environment that takes into consideration their emotional wellbeing (O'Donnell et al., 2012). In response to the case study, it was very clear that the learners were both affected by psychological and emotional conditions during the learning process. If this will be taken into consideration, then the performance of students will improve. An example is when Dorcas was indirectly affected by the challenges that may be related to her family affairs. Even though she was in surrounding that could not change her situation. The strategy is more likely to assist in the development of learning because taking care of the psychological and emotional of the learners improves the learning environment for students. Therefore the way students behave should be looked so as to evaluate on whether they are influenced by psychological or emotional factors. Finally, if education will be viewed as personal and social healing agent that it will accommodate the mental and emotional condition of students that will reinforce learning environment 2. Monitoring Strategy- This is also another important strategy that a tutor can use in enhancing the process of learning. According to Pashler & et al. (2008), Students behavior should be monitored to improve their success in school and also in the learning process, and ensure the reinforcement of positive behavior and the avoidance of negative behavior that may arise. This would also guarantee that teachers are in a position to understand how negative and positive behavior can affect the performance of learners (Badgett & Christmann, 2009). In the case study, this strategy could be applied where Dorcas behaviors would be monitored so as to identify the negative and positive ways. Then, she is guided on how to eliminate the negative behaviors. Therefore, through monitoring, it is possible for teachers to influence the performance of learners. The control strategy can help in developing learning further through making students desert negative learning behavior and adopt positive behavior that impacts positive performance amid other learners. As the students acquire positive learning behavior, their learning process will become transformed. Hence, this strategy is likely to support further development of learning through making learners learn positive learning behavior. As part of the solutions for the future learning scenario, if these four strategies can be linked together, then it will enhance the result of a learning process ( DeJong, 2010). 3. Task Value Strategy According to O Donnell et al., (2012).The task value strategy encompasses another approach that is explored to help in the learning process. The procedure involves the collection of information by the tutors that are relevant to the interest of students and come up with an assignment that is pertinent to the current situation. Furthermore, Teachers are also supposed to make explicit reference to the significance of specific learning tasks as well as the skills they involve regarding relevance to the future professional or personal goals of learners (O'Donnell et al., 2012). They can as well change the behavior of tasks to remain relevant to different learning styles and ensure enough to support the student that they have time to finish the assigned work. About the case study, the strategy is relevant to Dorcas, by changing the behaviors of tasks that is assigned to match the learning style. For example, a revision that is to be conducted by a fellow student that needs propers planning. Which will promote active learning by focusing on the professional and personal development that will make a change about the importance of particular task goals, therefore the strategy supports further learning advancement 4. Scaffolding Strategies This approach can promote a sophisticated knowledge in ensuring student got necessary information and offering assessment at every level of learning to provide better understanding. The issue of challenging task can also be conducted in a slight group of individuals. Furthermore, providing learners with several opportunities to finish the assignments by giving feedback or using strategies that are more relevant to the work . Since some students in the case under consideration do not learn effectively because they fail to show their understanding, teachers can use this strategy in ensuring these learners understand what is being taught (LeFever, 2004). As we all know, structured discussions work best with students despite their level of maturation. In my previous experience and according to Dorcas personality she could participate in the group discussion but could not perform well in class, despite the fact that she was a very hardworking person. If the strategy was to be used, then it means that Dorcas was in a position to understand things and time make her judgments and in case her fellow student had problems she could help them, . Also, this type of activity allows students to communicate with each other as well where the cognitive abilities develop gradually. The understanding of learners is highly critical in learning since it promotes retention capacity; thus, this strategy is likely to support the development of learning further by making learners have a better understanding of activities taught, which would enhance knowledge retention Conclusion In conclusion, it is very clear that the kind of personality that a person possesses has an influence on the process of learning. Furthermore, the majority of learners possess different learning character. It is also important to adopt the learning theories in training sector, for instance, the behaviors theory explains that behaviors can be learned and it is also important for the teachers to emphasize on developing the learning strategies that will assist learners to learn different things. Furthermore the strategies like task value, scaffolding and monitoring and taking education as more of personal. Additionally, some behavior may be regarded as illiterate and therefore replaces the new ones. On the other hand, I have come to terms that teachers have a critical responsibility in the process of learning of knowledge, by applying different theories to the learning perspective to ensure effective learning in a particular area. More so from the analysis the monitoring strategy is a very critical as it helps to identify the behavior and build it with some mutual understand that will facilitate a conducive environment for the learning purpose for the strategy can be used in different capacity either within or outside an institution, References Badgett, J. L., & Christmann, E. P. (2009). Designing elementary instruction and assessment: Using the cognitive domain. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin. DeJong, T. (2010). "Cognitive Load Theory, Educational Research, and Instructional Design: Some Food for Thought." 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