On Learning Theories; A personal perspective

One recurring thought throughout this course in learning theories was the factor of the amount of time required for learning. Some people require more time then others to learn similar content. I have discovered that I am not a slow learner but simply require a little bit more time to process certain types of information. Or perhaps by not considering the factor of relevance to associating course content with real world application, I have short changed myself with the opportunity to understand these theories. If anything, I think that I may have at one time attempted to establish a “one method fits all” style of learning for all lessons in the past. I may have not given enough consideration to the issue of situation and context. I may have failed to consider the situational and contextual nuances that influence learning styles and approaches to learning specific information or skill. For example, when learning a practical skill such as a clinical laboratory procedure, manual or tactile learning provides the stimulation for cognitive understanding of prescribed competencies. With regard to the more cognitive or information processing types of abstract learning, I would learn best in a secluded area with minimal distractions and maximum resources to stimulate thinking as well as visual resources of relevant information for approaching a topic from various perspectives.

I have found that with time, motivation and resources, I am able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of constructs or concepts or theories. With respect to relevance, what has helped me out the most is total transfer of learning to application in a professional setting. This course has been of tremendous relevance to my professional work. I am convinced that my attempts to apply this knowledge have benefited the school, faculty, and student body of Southwest Career College. I consider myself most fortunate to be able to apply these concepts to real world settings. Finally, I have come to a realization that the learning process is a continuous process because what may be relevant today may not be relevant tomorrow. This may be why life long learning is so important for personal and professional growth.