Becca Dawson
02.07.12
CAE 213 – Penland
TAL Ch 5 Questions (pgs 73-114)
PO BOX 585
5.1.
What is the wisdom behind Hilgard’s 20 principles of teaching?
Hilgard was resisting the fragmentation of learning theory, so he took the
three major theories of learning and derived 20 principles (several from each
theory) that he believed to be acceptable to all people – universal. Thus
people who adhere to each of the theories could see the truth in other
theories, and strive for a more holistic learning experience rather than
fragment off, believing their theories were the only correct theories and
neglecting the good aspects of other learning theories.
5.2.
What ideas from Guthrie and Skinner (both behaviorists) make the most
sense to you and why?
To be truthful, I’ve never been a fan of behaviorism. People are not animals
who will instinctively and collectively respond to certain stimuli in the
desired way – they are too diverse for that. For behaviorism to be most
effective one would have to identify the best rewards for each particular
human being to be motivated by (and studies have shown intrinsic rewards
are the best motivators). That said, it does make sense that, as Guthrie said,
one should “use as many stimulus supports for desired behavior as possible,
[because]… the more stimuli there are associated with the desired behavior,
the less likely that the distracting stimuli will… upset the desirable behavior”
(pg. 76-77) If, as I say, humans are different and complex enough that a
complex combination of stimuli leads to a complex combination of behaviors,
then it follows that by adding more supporting stimuli to the combination,
the possibility of a desirable outcome is increased.
5.3.
Using Robert Gagne’s types of learning, classify your own learning when
reading this chapter vs. applying what you learn when instructing.
I suppose reading the book would go as high up as principle and concept
learning; however, when you must instruct and apply what you have learned,
you go into problem solving, for which all of Gagne’s other types of learning
are prerequisite.
5.4.
Summarize Carl Roger’s view of the teacher/learner relationship.
Carl Roger states very explicitly that the role of the teacher is not to instruct,
impart knowledge, direct, guide, or make know, but rather to be someone
who is genuine, non-possessive in their caring, prizing, trust, and respect,
and able to empathetically understand. In other words, the teacher is to be
the person the learner can trust enough to be open around, and the teacher is
to provide aid when the self-motivation of the learner is not enough – I.e.
when the learner requires the knowledge of the teacher. Even then, the
teacher shares more than imparts. The relationship is an exchange.
5.5.
Summarize John Dewey’s contribution to understanding the learning
process.
Dewey contrasted his views with traditional views of teaching, and
delineated several key concepts of his own – such as experience (which he
said is always the start of the educational process), democracy (adults prefer
this to autocratic systems), continuity (characterized by intellectual and
moral growth), and interaction (education is basically a social process).
Many of his ideas were “distorted, misinterpreted… during the progressive
school movement” (pg. 96) but can seem fresh today.
5.6.
How do you see teaching through inquiry and teaching through modeling as
being useful?
Teaching through inquiry is a great way to learn book material in a
discussion form. This is very important for adults, who will analyze all
information through the lens of their own experiences. Since the role of a
“teacher” is to facilitate the learning of these adults, engaging in type of
teaching where you set the student up for self-directed learning helps to
create a sense of democracy. However I can personally see teaching through
modeling will be very important when I go overseas. I hope to work in a
Muslim country, and in a sense my biggest testimony will be subversively
taught through modeling. The values accompanying the Christian life can be
taught in that manner, which may open discussion about religion.
5.7.
Describe a transformational learning experience that you or someone you
know has gone through.
Teaching ESL at Mission San Pablo has been a transformational learning
experience - and frankly, I’m still going through the transformation. When I
was asked to develop this semester’s curriculum with no notice, I was
plunged into the practical application of everything I’m learning – and it’s a
learning experience in and of itself, a great supplement to my adult education
and TESOL classes. That said, I have really had to evaluate how my learning
styles bias my teaching style, as well as my own shortcomings as a teacher
(practicing more pedagogy at first than andragogy, etc.). It’s also made me
realize I can be a very reactive learner – as every week I put into application
the new concepts I’m learning. I read much more critically now, searching for
every hint as to how I can be a successful teacher. I also have affirmed that I
do indeed want to teach adults overseas – most likely EFL, but I’m open to
any sort of education. I’m also learning what sort of teacher/facilitator I want
to be – in theory and in practice.