Friday, January 20, 2012

Blog Post Week 2


The fundamental purpose of learning is to gain new knowledge about a subject.  Learning is not just something that takes place in the classroom and it is not limited to children.  Learning can happen at while a child is playing, or spending time with peers, it can happen at home with the family, it can even in most case happen alone while doing activities you enjoy.  I have learned a great amount of academic at not only in the classroom but spending time with my peers, however, most of my social skills from my own experiences in life.  I feel that some of my most important learning has taken place in my life has been through trial and error, and if I hadn’t made the mistakes and learned the lessons I would not be the same person I am today.  Learning can take place at any age, in any environment, at anytime.  Some things that we learn, we learn without even knowing we are learning.  I feel that young children learn the most when they are playing and aren’t even yet aware of the learning process; and I feel that this is where they  begin learning the basics that will help them to develop skills that they will need later in life to learn in the classroom.   I also feel that students may learn the most when they feel they are struggling and not learning at all.  Learning begins very young in life and if we are lucky won't end until the day we die, learning is continually happening all around us.  However, the amount of learning that takes place, I believe is based on the individual’s drive learn.  I personally have constant thirst for knowledge; therefore, I feel that I am always learning new things.  I am always reading about new things and asking questions about things I do not understand.  The amount a person learns can also be based on their interest level for the subject.  It is usually much easier to learn about things that one has an interest in than those they do not because they are more likely to seek out new knowledge on the subject.  The methods that people use to seek and learn new information many vary.  There are many different learning methods and techniques for individuals to seek out information.  Some people learn using technology, other by doing hands on activities, some by just learning; and others have to have a variation of different styles.  Since learning is extraordinarily variable it is essential for teachers to themselves learn to many different techniques and subject to teach their students.  

4 comments:

  1. Hi Nicole!
    I agree with your thoughts about learning. I too feel that learning can take place in any setting and at any time and the subject could be about absolutely anything— how to use an eating utensil or how to build a house. I feel that learning never really stops. It reminds me of the old saying: “you learn something new every day.” I also think that learning builds upon itself. The knowledge gained yesterday often seems to be used to understand something new today. Do you feel that the fundamental purpose of learning is universal? I tend to believe that it is. I think that cultures and societies across the world experience learning as a way of obtaining new knowledge. While the content of knowledge certainly varies depending on where you are and who you are, the overall purpose seems to remain the same.

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  2. Hello Nicole,

    I think you are right. Learning can take so many forms, shapes and times. I also agree that when you are interested in something, learning becomes in a way more easy or at least it is more difficult for one to be discouraged. And yes, I also think that we are always learning -- I don't know about sleeping time, but some people claim that they have solve problems in their sleep.

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  3. Nicole, I think you are right on with your view on the process of learning. I also agree with the idea that learning is more effective when it involves something you are interested in. I think the method one chooses to learn speaks to their interests as well. The reason someone chooses to learn through technology, reading, hand-on experiences etc is becausethat is what interests them and makes grasping a concept easier. just food for thought; how would you describe the relationship between learning and education?? Lots of valid points in your posts:)

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  4. Nicole, great blog! I like the part you wrote about teachers needing to teach different ways so more students may pick it up. Almost like teaching different topics experimentally and then asking students to evaluate the lesson to gauge their learning. I think it is very important as well to self educate and to inspire students to do this.

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