Personal Learning Theory

Much of my Personal Learning Theory is a combination of Vygotsky and Piaget's ideas and how the brain works.  I believe the process of learning is a complicated one involving our own personal development, and social interaction.  As we develop and learn from our peers, our brain is able to connect neurons and the learning process is completed for specific tasks.  Personally, learning has not been a difficult task for me over the years, because of this I never really had to pause and think how I learn or that the process by which others learn could be different from me.  My eyes were opened a few years ago when I tried to help my little brother with some homework.  He has ADHD and learning has always been a difficult process for him.  When helping him with homework I had to think of other ways to demonstrate a specific task.  Learning about the brain was very eye opening in this aspect.  It makes sense that some people can grasp a concept after learning it one way while other people take more time and practice.  Sometimes making that neuron connection in the brain takes more time.  I plan to incorporate this in my teaching and find multiple creative ways to teach.  Doing this will allow my students to make those strong connections and learn more effectively. 

This idea expands as I look at Vygotsky and Piaget and connect the theories with what we know about the brain.  Piaget's ideas are all about change and adaptation.  Everyone learns at their own pace according to Piaget and that is okay.  After learning about him I believe that it is possible for students to grasp a concept after some time.  I also like his explanation of how how when a new concept or idea is introduced we experience disequilibrium.  When I think about my brother this makes so much sense.  Often times when he was younger learning a new concept upset him.  He would get angry and refuse to try.  This is something Piaget doesn't acknowledge but I believe it is very important.  Everyone must experience disequilibrium differently and that is okay.  as long as students have the proper tools to adapt and assimilate new information to learn they can reach equilibrium.

Talking of the tools students and people in general can use to learn brings me to Vygotsky.  I love that Vygotsky says learning comes from sociocultural development.  Coming back to my brother he struggles to learn on his own but if he is in a group he can learn from others.  Oftentimes I would help him alongside my sisters and parents, all of us collaborating together as MKO's were often able to help him expand his ZPD. 

In conclusion my theory of learning encompasses all three.  I hope to be able to use and remember these ideas in the classroom so that I can more fully help my students progress. 

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