There are several potential factors that affect individual differences and the ways in which various students learn. My reflection paper will compare similarities and differences between mastery learning and discovery learning. I will also explore the advantages and disadvantages of each learning style and give classroom examples of each. Both mastery and discovery learning principles agree that learning is an active concept and that learning styles vary across students. Both methods also encourage mastery of information and application to problem-solve but the processes of obtaining this level of skill differs across methods. The theory of mastery learning was first developed in the 1960s by Benjamin Bloom. The core idea of this method was to discover ways focused on higher level learning goals to increase variation in teaching practices within group-based classrooms (Guskey, 2008). In order to do …show more content…
The core idea of this method was individuals should actively gain knowledge for themselves with little guidance from others (Mayer, 2004). In order to do this, the ideal learning environment must promote individualized learning and engagement in hands-on learning activities that promote individual interests. There is also emphasis on inductive reasoning to problem solve. This means that students do not simply read or listen to instructor lecture, but take what they have learned and generate their own learning principles and hypothesizes. Contrary to mastery learning, the focus of discovery learning is more about the process of thinking and learning than the results of interventions. Also essential to this learning method is the need for delayed feedback. With discovery learning teachers give few prompts in order encourage more active thinking in students (Mayer, 2004). It is only after students have brainstormed their own ideas, that teachers provide some form of guidance and
This tool states that learning is made up of four basic phases, which includes diverging, assimilating, converging, and accommodating, that gives one a better understanding of how they learn. The booklet claims that learning can be cyclical and four basic phases. These learning phases are described as a concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. The assessment asserts that knowing about your learning style can help you better understand how to maximize your learning, solve problems, work in teams, manage conflict, making career choices and how to improve
This curriculum utilizes a form of learning called “guided discovery,” which allows students to learn by doing. Students are presented with a variety of situations and must make decisions on what to do in each case; these choices in turn affect future scenarios, similar to a choose-your-own-adventure book.
Learning is a cognitive process which involves generating linkages between concepts, ideas, skills elements, experiences and people. This process requires the learner to make meaning of something by creating and re-working patterns, connections and relationships. From various scientific studies, it has been proved that this cognitive process is largely premised upon mental capabilities and development of the brain (intime, 2001). For people to actualize their ideas and creativities of their minds, learning is inevitable. However, the ability to learn is dissimilar for all people- some learn faster than others. This infers the notion of learning patterns. In simple terms, learning patterns can be defined as forms through people learn.
In the stage of mastery experiences the students’ actual real life experience in any given area has a direct impact on their
Learning is defined as a permanent change in attitude or behaviour that occurs as a result of repeated experience (Sims & Sims, 1995). Understanding one’s learning style has many advantages as it can help one to identify the learning method or activities that can help to optimise the learning experience. It has been suggested that the importance of one’s learning style has been identified through studies and research on how one can maximise the potential for success and further learning development (Honey & Mumford, 2006). Learning styles are unique to each individual and are developed in childhood (Chase, 2001). We all have different personalities; therefore we all have preferred learning styles that suit us best. The way one learns depends on preference. Some learn by observing, listening and imitating others and draw conclusions from their experience. There are several factors that affect our learning style; for example, background, culture, religion and environment can have a major influence on one’s learning.
What is learning? According to the thesaurus in the Eric database, learning is the “process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, or skills from study, instruction, or experience” (Eric/Thesaurus database, 2001). A learning style is described as “a set of factors, behaviors and attitudes that facilitate learning for and individual in a given situation” (Reiff, 1992, p.7). There are many different ways that children learn. The purpose of this paper is to explain the different learning styles that students may possess and to discuss the importance of planning a lesson that includes different techniques to meet the needs of individual learners. These different learning styles may include the show and tellers, seer and feelers, leader of the packs, verbal gymnasts, wandering wonderers, and movers and groovers (WEAC, 2001). The different learning styles possessed by the student can be affected by the theory of multiple intelligences. According to this theory there are 8 different ways to learn including learning through techniques like logical/mathematical, verbal/linguistic, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, musical, intrapersonal, special, and naturalist (Silver, 2000).
Schunk, D. H. (2000) Learning theories. An educational perspective. (3rd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Lang, H., Evans, D.(2006). Models, Strategies, and Methods for Effective Teaching. USA, Pearson Education Inc.
“A learning style is a way of learning and refers to the way that you learn new information” (2). Most people have one preferred learning style and perform to a lesser standard when learning in a different style than what they’re used to. Nowadays, children are told to take a quiz in school to determine what their preferred learning style is, but after a few years, not many of these children remember what their preferred learning style is, or even if they do, they don’t apply it to their learning.
Through exploring multiple learning theories and reflecting on my own teaching beliefs, I have developed my own theory of learning. As I developed my theory, I wanted to consider what it takes to be a highly effective teacher. An effective teacher must have mastery of instructional strategies, classroom management, classroom curriculum design, and use assessments as feedback (Laureate Education, 2010a). By using a variety of instructional strategies, teacher’s can meet the learning styles of all the students in the classroom. Effective classroom management can lead to students feeling safe and more willing to take risks. When a student feels comfortable to take risk, then learning will increase and the students’ confidence will grow. Classroom management also creates order in the environment, which will allow effective learning to occur. By understanding curriculum, the teacher can target skills and causes learning to take place. Teachers need to deliberately plan lessons around standards and specific goals based on curriculum and the school’s mission (Marzano, 2010). Assessments need to be use to guide instruction and used as a “method for improvement and mastery,” (Marzano, 2010). While determining my own theory of learning, I believe that I need to consider what effective teachers demonstrate in the classroom.
A somewhat underused strategy for teaching mathematics is that of guided discovery. With this strategy, the student arrives at an understanding of a new mathematical concept on his or her own. An activity is given in which "students sequentially uncover layers of mathematical information one step at a time and learn new mathematics" (Gerver & Sgroi, 2003). This way, instead of simply being told the procedure for solving a problem, the student can develop the steps mainly on his own with only a little guidance from the teacher.
Personal learning styles are highly complex and unique to specific individuals. It is often difficult to pinpoint an exact learning style. Though there are different categories, we often fine tune them to our own abilities. By examining our traits and tendencies we create a clearer understanding of how we process and learn information. With careful review, I have developed a specific analysis of my learning characteristics, including an evaluation of skill levels. Based on what I have recently learned and know from experience, I have also devised a structured plan for improvement of time management and study skills.
Individuals are assumed to learn better when they discover things by themselves and when they control the pace of learning (Leidner & Jarvenpaa, 1995). Therefore, it is natural to expect that self-directed, interactive learning would improve learning outcome.
Thought out our lives, we are faced with many different learning experiences. Some of these experiences have made a better impact than others. This can be attributed to everyone’s different multiple intelligences or learning styles. A persons learning style is the method though which they gain information about their environment. As a teacher, it is our responsibility to know these styles, so we can reach each of our students and use all of the necessary methods.
Simple approaches and flexible means are the key to effective learning. Monotony and regimentalized fashion of learning is usually not recommended for the growing minds to ensure that the minds remain open and accept more stimuli from the surroundings.