I am a bit behind with this post - technical difficulties. But I'm getting back on track now. Let's see .... my learning style. If had responded to that question a couple of years ago I would have answered that I am a visual learner like a majority of the population - mainly learning by reading. I suspect this because that was the learning style I had been exposed to most often as a student. However in the last couple of years I've come to realize that as an adult I learn in many ways. I definately enjoy learning certain skills kinaesthetically. I learned to be an ILS administrator simply by doing the job. For me, it was the best way to learn that particular skill set! There is no question that I am not a good auditory learner. My husband and son are great auditory learners but I can barely follow an audio book so I don't think that method is my best. I wonder how I made it through University with all those professors lecturing at me.
The discussion about active learning also struck a chord. I do find dialogue with others a useful method of learning as an adult. Learning by doing in this framework made a lot of sense. We often have trainings and courses but I find the information is interesting and potentially useful but if it doesn't get incorporated into action then it fades quickly. An Assertive Communication course I took was a great learning experience because we used case studies and role play. I can hear people groaning but role play really worked in that course. We each had a scenario to react to and the others critiqued the role play based on the topic of the evening. For me, and apparently others in the course, it was a very helpful technique.
I was once more of a reflector. Sitting back and listening to conversations around me and trying to take it all in. As I've got older (and perhaps more impatient) I find myself more of a pragmatist. I like to solve problems and work in the real world rather than with theory.
Learning can be tough as an adult, especially when there is so much that needs to be done just to get through the day but when I've experienced excellent learning situations I appreciate and enjoy it even more than I did as a student. There is so much to learn.
You've done a good job thinking about learning in various contexts ... and you're right, the whole question of nature vs nurture comes to mind. How do we distinguish our natural learning preferences from how we've learned to cope with the learning methods that were offered? I think it is somewhat symbiotic. Our environment presents us with certain options and our preferences lead us to select accordingly. When we don't have options, we learn to adapt as a survival mechanism. Which isn't a bad thing - it means we're capable of coping in a growing range of circumstances. What you say about the importance of Active Learning is so true. We do need to connect what we're learning with what we're experiencing (and vice versa). We've tried to incorporate this into APLL. I believe - and I hope - you'll find there are ample opportunities, both face-to-face and online to draw those connections and to take what you're learning and practice it for real!
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