THEORIES OF LEARNING

Informal Learning takes place every moment of our lives which we are not even aware of. We are able to internalize a host of information which comes to us from the environment, the people around us and the society at large. Learning may also be formal, in which case we are in a setting where information is deliberately passed across to us directly or remotely. In either case, the brain is able to receive the information, sieve and process only that which it considers useful or necessary (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a). The brain is able to connect present experience with previous ones in such a way that it is able to make sense out of it and when these same experience keep occurring, the connections become stronger and unforgettable (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b).

Learning theories have come a long way in determining how best learning takes place, and it is important for the teacher to have an understanding, so that he can be able to know how to plan learning experiences. While planning, we should also take into consideration, the personality of the individual; his preferred intellectual approach; how he interacts; as well as his environmental preference for learning (Orey, 2001) so that we are able to address all aspects of the learner, thereby being a student centered learning venture.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Program one: Understanding the brain [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program two: Brain research and learning [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles. Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page