1. How do I learn best? Although my visual acuity has diminished, I continue to be a visual learner. Retention of course content is greater through visually perusing the material rather than attempting to absorb the information through auditory resources. Synthesizing data through note-taking is also a strategy I often use. In-class learning tends to be the educational venue that works best for me. I am more disciplined in a structured environment but more importantly, I enjoy the discussions that tend to be generated in group settings. Finally, I also need the freedom to ask questions without judgement or intimidation because there is still so much more I want to learn…
2. As an adult learner, do you dis/agree with adult learning principles ? I find myself agreeing with the principles. Each time I have studied something as a mature student, it has been because I had a defined image of what I should be – “ECE” – and do – get “certified”. So yes, the principles apply to my experience. I was motivated, I had a specific goal and I was learning relevant strategies that I could apply to practical circumstances and experiences.
The principle I agree with the most is feeling respected as a student. Empathy, sympathy and understanding are afforded to the adult learner that children may not receive. For example, when I accidentally delete e-mails from my account , or claim to have not received an e-mail, I am more likely to be believed than an adolescent in middle or high school.
3. Compare learning experiences. Is effectiveness connected to environment? Learning style vs. instructional style? I have experienced courses in lecture halls, austere classrooms, office-space-converted classrooms, portables with classrooms, and now a virtual classroom in my home! The learning outcomes and the efficacy of the course are not impacted by either environment or instructor (based on the aforementioned principles); what is impacted, however, is my student approach. I feel completely lost and overwhelmed in auditoriums and no longer attend these programs. Austere environments convey the message of discipline and I am always prepared for class. And now the 2020 ECCE educational experience – a front-line definition of what flexibility truly is!
4. Compare & contrast two different courses. I could not think of two courses but I did experience two different instructors for one course. At the start of a sociology course, I had a professor who embraced theories and expected students to be well-versed in theories and course content. Mid-way through the course the instructor became ill and was replaced by a semi-retired sociology professor. The sub was the opposite of the original instructor. It ceased being a lecture and became a discussion group. Rote memory was no longer an essential skill as it had been with the original professor. The sub challenged our opinions and our critical thinking skills. A couple of decades later, I do not remember sociological theorists, theories or stats, but I do remember redefining perceptions and developing an empathetic understanding of societal paradigms. My grade point average was not affected by either style but my long-term understanding received a better foundation with the latter sociology professor.
