How do you create a personal learning theory?

My classroom is set up with tables and can be easily rearranged to accomdate the task at hand. Students often work in groups and collaborate to discuss and form new meaning based on the learning objective.

In my experience, the key to improving teaching is to identify my core assumptions about learning and teaching. These beliefs, influenced by my background and education, shape my approach. Tools like journaling, mind mapping, or questionnaires help me uncover these assumptions and adjust my teaching methods to better support my students' diverse needs.

I implement Question-Answer sessions and surprise quizzes following a lecture to better assess topic comprehension of students.

Reflect on your beliefs and assumptions about how people learn and what facilitates or hinders the learning process. For example, you may believe that motivation is fundamental to learning.

Constructivism is a theory that equates learning with creating meaning from experience. Constructivists believe that the mind filters input from the world to produce its own unique reality. The mind is believed to be the source of all meaning. Constructivists contend that what we know of the world stems from our own interpretations of our experiences. Humans create meaning as opposed to acquiring it. Learners do not transfer knowledge from the external world into their memories; they build personal interpretations of the world based on individual experiences and interactions. In order to understand the learning which has taken place within an individual, the actual experience must be examined.

The next pivotal step involves delving into the realm of existing theories of learning and teaching. These theories serve as the foundational frameworks and models crafted by researchers and educators to elucidate and anticipate the mechanisms underlying the learning process. For instance, one might embark on an exploration of prominent theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, or connectivism. Utilizing diverse resources like books, articles, podcasts, or online courses proves beneficial in acquiring a comprehensive understanding of these theories, enabling a thorough evaluation of their respective strengths and limitations.

I enjoy the utilization of behaviorism in Communication as it is particularly relevant in settings where conditioning or training is the goal, hence emphasizing the role of feedback and consequences in learning. As part of incorporating surprise quizzes and graded Q/A session after a lecture, cognitivism is crucial in designing instructional strategies that consider how students process information. Constructivism suggests that students construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences, thus, ideal with communication studies! Connectivism is particularly relevant in the context of online learning and use of digital tools, for example, online discussion forums.

Study different learning theories, such as behaviorism, constructivism, and cognitivism, to understand their approaches and principles. For example, you can examine how Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories explain cognitive development.

Once I finish grading the surprise quizzes or execute a Q/A session after lecturing, I can easily assess by the grades of the quizzes and the responses from the lectures to ascertain their level of attention on the subject matter!

Reflect on your personal learning experiences and gather evidence from other contexts, such as academic research or educational practices. For example, you can analyze your own study methods and their effectiveness.

Integrate your reflections and learnings to develop a personal learning theory that is grounded in your assumptions, existing theories, and evaluated evidence. For example, you can formulate an approach that values autonomous and collaborative learning.

Experiment with your theory in practice by applying it to real learning situations and observing its outcomes. For example, you can test your approach when teaching a new concept to a peer or participating in a study group.

It is worth mentioning that reviewing and revising your theory is an ongoing process that can occur at multiple stages of your learning journey. As you gain more experience and encounter new situations or challenges, your understanding and perspective may evolve. It is important to remain open-minded and willing to adjust your theory as necessary. Additionally, seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or colleagues can provide valuable insights and alternative viewpoints. Different perspectives can help you identify blind spots or areas for improvement in your theory and practice. Actively soliciting feedback or engaging in discussions with others can also foster a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.

Be open to adjusting and refining your theory based on new experiences and insights. For example, if you notice that certain strategies are not working as expected, you may revise your theory to incorporate these findings.

Take into account the specific learning context, individual learner characteristics, and changes over time. Additionally, be prepared to continue learning and adapting your theory based on new knowledge and experiences.