Julie J. O'Leary

My Learning Philosophy

 

 

 

I believe there are many aspects to consider when it comes to learning. In my experience, learning happens in many different ways and everyone learns differently, which is why I consider the different learning styles when creating instruction. When it comes to higher education and adult learning it is important to keep things fresh as well as evolve and revise instructional material when needed. In today’s world with technology being so prevalent I think it is important to take advantage of technology and use it when possible in higher education to increase learning and understanding. I also think instructors should be welcoming and make their learners feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment.

 

It is important to consider the different types of learners and learning styles when creating instructional materials even for adult learners. This way every learner has an equal chance and opportunity to learn and understand the content being taught. A lesson that touches on multiple learning styles increases learners’ academic performance, increases learners’ attitudes toward school, and improves learners’ outcomes (Bostrom et al, 2009). I know it is more time consuming to create lessons and instructional materials that satisfy different learning styles but it is worth it in the end. There are so many benefits especially for the learners.

 

I think it is important to keep things fresh when it comes to learning and evolve and revise instructional material and lessons as needed. When I am teaching and I see that my learners do not understand the content I try to show it to them in a different way. If something is not working it is okay to change the direction of a lesson in order to better reach my learners. Later I will revise the lesson in case I use it again in the future. One way I improve instruction in through reflection. I will think about what worked and what did not work during a lesson and make improvements from there. As an instructor it is important to reflect and revise instruction in order to better help and teach my learners.

 

Another way to increase learning is through the use of technology. Technology is a huge part of every day life and adult learners like technology and enjoy using it both in a learning environment and in their personal lives. Many adult learners use technology at work as well. Therefore, I think it is important to take advantage of adult learners’ fondness of technology and implement technology in higher education when possible and when appropriate. There are many benefits to implementing technology in education. One benefit is that technology increases learner engagement. “Technology as a tool helps teachers create and present content and instruction that is interesting and relevant to students. When learning is relevant to students, then they become engaged, active learners” (Wardlow, 2014). This quote helps demonstrate the importance of technology on learner engagement. I also like how the quote points out how technology will help learners become active learners. I believe when active learning is occurring learners will retain information much better. I always try to implement technology in my lessons and instructional material when possible. However, I make sure not to implement technology just for the sake of using technology in education. It is important to use technology in a way that makes learning and educational experiences more meaningful for adult learners.

 

I believe adult learners learn much better when they feel comfortable and safe in their learning environment. I try to make learners feel comfortable by introducing myself and getting to know my learners. I think a positive relationship between an instructor and learners is very important. If learners do not feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment and with their instructor their learning can be hindered. It is my goal to help adult learners by considering the different learning styles when creating instruction, revising and improving my instructional materials, implementing technology in instruction, and do what I can to make my learners feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment.