Learner Profile paper

Submitted By melcoyne
Words: 2307
Pages: 10
Open Document
Learner Profile paper
Melanie Horowitz Coyne
CCE 577
Winter 2014
How does Ariana learn? What does cognition theory say? Ariana is an adult, a student matriculated in an online university program working toward a bachelor’s degree in education. She received her elementary education in a small town in Mexico, traveling by bus 45 minutes to an hour daily. At the age of 14 she immigrated with her family to Washington State and graduated from high school there. What would the major theorists of adult learning say about her? Pavlov and Skinner might say that she will learn by being rewarded for correct responses to questions posed by the instructors. Their view focused on behavior. To look at Ariana as a learner from a cognitivist view, Merriam, Cafferella, & Baumgartner state that in this framework the “emphasis is on what learners know versus how they behave” (2007).
Since Ariana is an adult, Piaget (pioneer of the theory of cognitive development) would contend that she is working from a formal operational ability to think abstractly, and she will be using this ability to make sense of what is covered in her classes. From a perspective of adult student development, W. G. Perry would look at her and see where she might fit in a continuum of dependent to independent to relativistic patterns of thought. Bandura would want Perry to recognize that Ariana learns within a social context, and this context itself influences her learning. Another facet of context is the reminder that most of what is considered in this review of learning theory is based on Western assumptions. “Westerners value freedom and independence, whereas “Easterners” value belonging, harmony, family, security, and guidance”. (Merriam, Cafferella, & Baumgartner, 2007) What have the various contexts of Ariana’s learning contributed?
Prior knowledge is a key element in looking at learning from the perspective of cognitivism. The concept of schema (or basis for understanding) is also integral to this view. Fitting new learning into previous understandings is a task for learners, as well as taking declarative or informational knowledge into application. Metacognition also comes into the discussion as a concept that describes thinking about thinking (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007). How does Ariana reflect on how she is learning?
Learning styles are also discussed in literature about cognitive learning theory. The aspect of learning styles that is important in thinking about Ariana as a learner is the concept of culturally based learning styles. Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner note a few studies that contrast a “Euro-American style [that is] projected by most institutions as the one which is most valued”. Alfred (2002) takes a look at the "individual/cognitive view of learning" and questions the assumption that that concepts and skills can be "learned independently of outside influence" (p.4). This perspective shows little consideration for the "transcultural experience of immigrant Americans and how early formal and informal socialization influences their learning in a new country"(Alfred, 2002).
To go to the source in this investigation I interviewed Ariana. We first met eight years ago as coworkers, later I moved into a supervisory position, and as we developed a working relationship, I learned more about her and her family. I have served as a resource for her as she has moved ahead on an educational path and years have passed since our first meeting. She is aware of my own educational pursuits and was glad to answer the questions I posed. I also asked about sharing some of my own observations, and she agreed to that as well. We met at her dining room table while my granddaughter played with her son.
I summarized some of the learning theories around cognition and adult learning and ask her opinion about her own thoughts as to the relationship of prior knowledge to her learning, her reflections on or about her educational experience, and her perception
Show More

Related Documents: Learner Profile paper

Vark: Learning Styles and Patient Essay

VARK: A Guide to Learning Styles Analysis Paper Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V September 22, 2013 VARK: A Guide to Learning Styles Analysis Paper In what ways does the learning style work, how is learning seen, how is learning heard, and how is learning taught? As define by Wikipedia about learning styles, “is an individual's natural or habitual pattern of acquiring and processing information in learning situations. A core concept is that individuals differ in how they learn (Wikipedia…

Words 1038 - Pages 5

Essay on Planning to meet the needs of Learners in Education and Training - CET

Assignment 2 Sarah Brown Planning to meet the needs of Learners in Education and Training Part 1 A According to The Excellence Gateway (accessed 12/7/14) “initial assessment and diagnostic assessment is needed for each learner in order to find a starting point, or baseline for learning. It makes possible development of the learning plan”. Initial assessment and diagnostic tools can serve two purposes, firstly to assess potential students’ academic ability in relation to national standards. This will…

Words 1967 - Pages 8

Vark: Learning Styles Essay

VARK Analysis Paper Nikole Martel NRS-429V Anita Mackey 30 May 2015 The VARK learning assessment was created by Neil Fleming as a way to help people better understand their own learning styles (VARK, 2015). It allows students to tailor how they study to become more effective when studying by breaking down learning styles into four different groups. VARK stands for visual, aural, reading, and kinesthetic (VARK, 2015). This paper will discuss Nikole’s personal learning style. There are…

Words 1047 - Pages 5

Reading Comprehension Test

tests from retrieved paper-based TOEFL® tests were selected. The tests consisted of five short passages, each followed by 9 to 11 multiple-choice questions and 50 in total. It was piloted to 20 EFL students who were same as the main participants of the study regarding proficiency level. The result of the pilot study showed that the test was reliable enough (r=.89). Data collection Procedure The participants of this study were selected from bilingual and multilingual EFL learners. They were selected…

Words 1569 - Pages 7

Action research report Helen Ficorilli Essays

study of the effect of course preparation assignments (CPA’s) on the classroom involvement of learners within a higher education setting. By introducing lecture and seminar topics in advance in the form of homework assignments and by following the action research methods as outlined by McNiff (2002) I have been able to execute, review and measure the effectiveness of the intervention to involve learners to become self-directed and intrinsically motivated in their learning. Whilst delivering a semester…

Words 9557 - Pages 39

Assessment and Learners Essay

success. I would say the most important aspects of this process is the supporting the learners element, both in group work sessions as well as one to one when learners need guidance. I need to ensure I support them as much as possible so that they are able to complete assignments as well as any tasks that have been set for them to complete. It is also my responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the learners, in addition to providing them with additional resources and guidance as and when…

Words 4204 - Pages 17

FRA Coursehandbook FINAL Essay

(ASSIGNMENT 1) 2. Thursday 6thh September Roles and Responsibilities: Addressing individual needs in a group context. Individual needs Equality and Diversity (Maslow) Barriers to learning Differentiation and Functional Skills Meeting needs of learners Developing a positive group climate (Tuckman) Study Skills: Harvard Introduction to Moodle Hand in ILP Hand in L/Styles Hand in journal 1 Write journal 2 (ASSIGNMENT 1) 3 Friday 7th September Roles and Responsibilities: Design, plan…

Words 3861 - Pages 16

Task 1. Education & Teaching Guide Essay

teacher you will be expected to abide by the Code Education and Training Foundation's Professional Membership Service (FPMS) code was developed by the Institute for Learning (IfL) and outlines the behaviours expected of members – for the benefit of learners, employers, the profession and the wider community. They are: 1. Professional Integrity 2. Respect 3. Reasonable Care 4. Professional Practice 5. Criminal Offence Disclosure 6. Responsibility During Institute Investigations 7. Responsibility to…

Words 8188 - Pages 33

Compare and Contrast Essay

Instructional Strategies Concept, Paper 1 Helen L. Broussard Dr. Calvin Moore Instructional Design & Development July 21, 2013 Instructional Strategies Concept, Paper 1 1 The Challenges Faced by the Instructional Designer Denny Clifford is an experienced instructional design consultant who has created a wide variety of instructional materials using multimedia. His current client, Dr. Cynthia Oakes, is a science professor who is a strong advocate of the constructivist…

Words 680 - Pages 3

Reforming, Transforming and Conforming Essay

and just focuses on external observable behaviour. Now that I have a firmer understanding of both Maturationism and Behaviourism I can imagine these philosophies used in an early childhood environment. In fact I feel quite sure the conforming profile was very dominant in my own Pre-school and Primary school years. I remember being taught by rote and the feelings of inadequacies¸ pressure and assault on my self esteem. These feelings were all generated when it was time for tables and I thought…

Words 3436 - Pages 14