We are lucky to be born in the age of new technologies and active learning; it means that we can gain the most from the process of studying. In this paper, I want to analyze my personal preferences in learning and see if they correlate with the key approaches to teaching (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism). It is apparent that behaviorism is not exactly compatible with my preference of kinesthetic learning, but as the teaching approaches have been diversifying, people like me were getting more and more opportunities. I argue that my style of learning is best correlated with constructivism and that online learning expands my opportunities.
My preferred learning style is kinesthetic learning. It is easier for me to learn by physical movement, for example, by actually performing an action. Similarly, I need to participate in various activities (Wong 5-6). To improve my learning performance, I need to have a first-hand experience (Chiu et al. 215). Unfortunately, kinesthetic activities are probably the most difficult to integrate into traditional learning process (Dunkle 32). I would not say that the rest of the styles are completely inapplicable to me, but I have a strong preference for the kinesthetic one.
Behaviorism is an approach to learning that used to be dominant up until recently and that can be characterized by the theory of behavioral conditioning. The relationship between teacher and learner, in this case, involves rewarding positive and punishing negative behavior (Pelet 2). Students are supposed to be passive, and individual approach is not inherent for behaviorism, even though nowadays it is being combined with other approaches, which makes it more diversity-friendly (Jordan, Carlile and Stack 34). Drilling and instruction are its key applications (Pelet 2). These aspects do not coincide with my learning style and learning style differentiation in general.
Cognitivism appeared later than behaviorism and was a response to its flaws (Pelet 2). It focused on the study of cognition and used the gained knowledge to improve learning and teaching (Jordan, Carlile and Stack 36-37). This approach presupposes a more active learner while the teacher supervises and directs; also, cognitivism involves an individual approach to teaching. I think that cognitivism can be used to justify kinesthetic learning.
Constructivism can be defined as the most kinesthetic-friendly teaching approach. According to constructivism, “learning is an active process of construction” of one’s worldview based on first-hand experience (Pelet 3). Constructivism questions the effectiveness of memorizing without experiencing, but it promotes the cognitive processes that are aimed at processing this experience (for example, discussion).
Nowadays, the use of electronic equipment in learning and teaching noticeably improves our experience and the efficiency of these processes (Pelet 4). The learning style preferences can also be used to improve online studying (Chiu et al. 215). In my case, I believe that online studying offers opportunities that are missing in the traditional classroom. I pay attention to the programs that present the simulations of first-hand experiences, including literal simulation games and various interactive models (Pelet 142). Also, I think that the opportunities for participatory activities are immense online, especially where peer activities are concerned.
I should use various communication applications to gain experience and express my ideas; also, the constructive approach of processing experience via discussion is applicable to this strategy (Page and Page 60). Finally, I am thinking about the opportunity to share my experience and ideas with the help of modern platforms that allow publishing my works (Pelet 142). I believe that online learning is most suitable for an active kinesthetic student.
To sum up, only behaviorism appears to be rather incompatible with my preferred learning style. Constructivism is most suitable, and it defines some of my learning action plan strategies. Most of the latter are aimed at active kinesthetic learning.
The modern world offers numerous opportunities to me as a kinesthetic learner, and I think that the understanding of the various learning approaches also direct me in my choice of strategies. However, the mentioned approaches are not the only ones that exist. Possibly, in the future, I should consider other views as well.
Works Cited
Chiu, Dickson et al. Advances In Web-Based Learning. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2015. Print.
Dunkle, Cheryl A. Leading The Common Core State Standards: From Common Sense Tocommon Practice. London, UK: Gerald Anderson, 2009. Print.
Jordan, Anne, Orison Carlile, and Annetta Stack. Approaches to Learning. Maidenhead: Open University Press, 2008. Print.
Page, Randy M, and Tana S Page. Promoting Health And Emotional Well-Being In Your Classroom. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2014. Print.
Pelet, Jean-Eric. E-Learning 2.0 Technologies And Web Applications In Higher Education. Pennsylvania: IGI Global, 2013. Print.
Wong, Linda. Essential Study Skills. New York: Cengage Learning, 2014. Print.