what is learning
I'd say that learning is the acquision of knowledge and/or skills (as, e.g. driving a car or speaking a different language is arguably more of a skill than 'knowledge' as such, but clearly there is still significant learning involved) . The constuctivist theories of learning highlight the importance of the teacher/instructor as facilitating this process, and the best ways of going about this are subject to huge debate. Neuroscience and experience tell us that individuals respond differently to different teaching methods and environmental factors and so I think one of the biggest challenges facing a secondary teacher is how best to meet the needs of a whole class of students. Offering variety and choice seem to me to be quite crucial. (But what do I know - I'm still learning!!)
I agree with this post. I would also like to add that I think the way you learn can change throughout your life and is heavily dependent on what you are learning. If you are a child and you are a teenager, you may lean from a more knowledgable other (usually a person close to them) or if you are studying economics at an undergraduate level you will be learning through many different methods as many different skills are involved.
I think learning is the gaining of knowledge, skill or information by using one or more different techniques. I have known pupils to learn the method to solve a simultaneous equation by creating an annotated flow chart built around a question, whilst having a pupil in the same class learn the method by practising questions from a textbook. Each individual will differ in their learning style, and not necessarily use the same method every time.
As shown above in a single classroom there were two very distinct learning styles. The teacher needs to embrace these styles throughout the lesson and allow flexibility in the method of learning. This may be difficult as some topics may not be accessed by these methods and it may not be possible for the style to vary within the classroom. However, this would give the teacher the opportunity to be innovative and creative with their teaching style as well as differentiate for the needs of their pupils.
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