Jeanne's+Page

Response to "How People Learn": What does this article teach us about learning? How do I understand learning to occur?

The new science of learning emphasizes learning with understanding not just memorization. Today facts are at our students' fingertips. Memorization is not as necessary as knowing how to find information, view it critically and use it effectively. I believe all the theories of learning discussed in this article have their purpose. For example we are not going to expect a child to learn that speeding cars can be lethal by having them actively engaged in a dangerous situation. Some learning has to occur by simply being told. Behavioral, constructivism and the "new" science of learning all speak to different aspects of learning that are important in various applications. Being open to new theories and ideas and keeping what is valuable from existing strategies makes for good teaching practise. Research tells us that when students are active learners their understanding can be enhanced. "Learning" occurs through all the above mentioned means, but the excitement and value of true understanding requires active participation/ reflection (metacognition) on the part of the student.