Bllog #10 - Learning Definition

Rhonda Adams's picture

In doing this weeks lesson plan, I noticed something.  My definition of learning has changed considerably.  I still think that in order for learning to take place, the learner needs to be engaged.  I also believe that teachers can affect learning either in a positive or a negative way, but one thing about my definition has changed and that is when learning takes place. 

I think learning takes place all the time.  When you discover how to do a math formula you are learning, obviously learning is taking place.  But, when you figure out how to open a pill bottle, or how to fold a shirt, or what that look on your dog's face is (like the one on my dog's right now saying "Mom, you're always on the computer") or that intution you get when you know that there is something you forgot to do.  But, I guess that learning is hard to define because it's hard to characterize what is learning.  Well, I think that learning is whatever changes your life, no matter how insignificant it may be.  So, I am going to follow what I learned, and get off the computer and go play outside with my dog.  Have a great week!

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Submitted by Rhonda Adams on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 10:38am
Jill Mason's picture

Hi Rhonda

Submitted by Jill Mason on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 9:26pm.
I agree that learning takes place all the time, though usually these days mine, like yours, takes place sitting on my rear in front of the computer. Such is the life of an online student, right?
Students do indeed need to be engaged. I think that by learning about all these theories, we’re able to think about our instruction in different ways. Hopefully we’ll come up with new ideas to motivate the learners and by making instruction more valid, interesting, and just plain fun.
Speaking of fun, is your dog happier with you now??
Jill M
West Point, Utah
Brian B.'s picture

definitely learning takes

Submitted by Brian B. (not verified) on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 10:13am.
definitely learning takes place all the time. A huge amount of what people know when they graduate from high school wasn't learned in K-12 schools. And that is not an indictment of K-12 schooling, it is just that there is so much life that happens outside of schools' walls.
Angela Sauro's picture

I agree that learning takes

Submitted by Angela Sauro on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 12:15pm.

I agree that learning takes place all the time even though we don't even realize it.  You included a couple really good examples of learning.  I like that I can learn with my 2yr old right now.  I can tell that she is learning new things everyday.  It's fun to sit and try new words with her to see what she can say and then wait and see if she says them on her own later in the day.  I am also constanstly learning what her new facial expressions mean. 

Have fun playing with your dog.  I'm sure I should do the same with mine.

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