EDUC 7105 - Philosophy of Learning

What is your philosophy of learning?

I believe that everyone possesses a capacity to learn. Our individual experiences inform what and how one is able to learn.  The constructivist learning theory suggests that the “role of the learner” is that of an “active constructor of knowledge” (Driscoll, 2004, p. 409).   Therefore, the experiences that occur in our everyday lives impact the learning process. Constructivism recognizes the learner as an active participant in the learning process.   I find this to be a significant point, given our day and time, because the onus of learning, through the eyes of the media, seems to be on the teacher rather than the student and his/her personal learning environment.  As an educator, I believe I have a responsibility to create learning environment that will enable my students to reach the goals and objectives of the course I am teaching.  I believe this environment to include a rigorous curriculum that incorporates the use of technology and the internet to further connect my students to our global society at large.

What do you believe is critical and non-negotiable in teaching and learning?

I believe technology to be a critical and non-negotiable factor in teaching and learning today.   Technology has been referred to as “the great equalizer,” within our society-at-large and continues to play a significant role in our everyday lives.  Given our dependence on technology for daily tasks and, more critically, the global economy, why would we not translate the power of technology into classrooms across the globe?  As educators, we have a duty to prepare our students for success as working contributors to our society.  Possessing 21st centruy learning skills are a part of that preparedness needed for success in today’s global economy.   While the definition of “21st century skills” may vary, fundamentally, all can agree that at some level students must “know how to use technology” (Stevens, n.d.).  The term technology within the context of this text includes computer use, internet use, social-media use, and the like.  

References:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Stevens, M. (n.d.) 21^st century learner. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/

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