Week No. 4: Theories of Learning

#July 9/11, 2012:

Construction of knowledge begins with our observation and recognition of events and objects through concepts we already have. We learn by constructing a network of concepts and adding to them. With this, students can easily learn because he/she relates the new event or learning from what he already knows.

 One of the topics discussed by MR. KIM BRIAN HINALOC is the MEANINGFUL LEARNING SET. In this characteristic of meaningful learning, learning is possible when you can relate your new learning to your old learning. With this also, your old knowledge will be revitalized.

There are also variables to put meaningful learning into practice. First is the OPEN WORK, with this, students are able to work with different types of students. Second is the MOTIVATION. This is to improve the classroom atmosphere and make the student be interested in classroom activities. Third is the ENVIRONMENT. This is to make connection with the the students learn and what surrounds them.

As to motivation is concerned, there are two types of motivation according what we have discussed in this fourth week of this course. Namely, the motivation by NEED and the motivation by DRIVE. Motivation by need is when there is something that lacks in you that you want to complete. Motivation by drive is when you do something even if it is far from your goal.

Theories are always available, it's up to the teacher what theory he/she will apply for the the students to learn.

Week No. 3: Information Processing

#July 2/4/6, 2012:

This topic was reported by Ms. Rose Marie Oval. Information processing happens when we try to learn or acquire data from the environment. Since it is a process, it follows a step. The sequence of information processing is; first, data is process in the SENSORY REGISTRY, then goes in the SHORT-TERM OR WORKING MEMORY and lastly, to the LONG-TERM MEMORY where information stored at long period of time.

From those sessions also, we tackled about the basic concepts in cognitive theories of learning. These concepts are somehow styles on how students learn. Some relates new learning from their experiences in the past.

Our LONG-TERM MEMORY is a network of information. It is divided into parts that are integrated to each other. EPISODIC MEMORY is a portion of long-term memory that keeps images relating to personal experiences. SEMANTIC MEMORY on the other hand, is a part of the long-term memory that stores facts and information. PROCEDURAL MEMORY, another division of long-term memory that keeps information about how things are processed. These three divisions are essential in learning. They are integrated like a network of computer units that processes information.

Week No. 2 : Learning

#June 25/27/28, 2012:
              

                The only thing that is CONSTANT in this world is CHANGE. The world is changing every second. With this, learning is a need and not a decision. We must go with the flow of change or else, we’ll be left behind by the upgrading civilization that the environment has.

                Furthermore, learning is achieved when one interacts with the other. There is no learning when action is absent, and there is no action without learning. In order to the learning process, we must apply what we have learned.

                There are also factors that affect the learning process. One of it is the ENVIRONMENT. A surrounding with noisy and unpleasant mode contributes to the slow process of learning. Another factor also is the BEHAVIOR of the students towards the teacher and vise versa. Sometimes, moods of students or teacher affect the leaning process. Third is the TEACHING STYLE of the instructor. There are types of students and every student has a desire style in order to learn better.