After reviewing all of the learning theories over the past seven weeks, I have definitely gained a much deeper understanding of how a learner acquires and retains knowledge. By reading, researching, discussing, analyzing, applying and evaluating the various learning theories over the past several weeks, I have gained a new perspective on learning that I didn’t have when I started this class. From the class resources, instructor input and student interactions, I have discovered that this newfound knowledge is in my “zone of proximal development,” which, as noted by Dr. Ormrod, is Vygotsky's theory that states “…for any learner is this range of activities that are difficult but not impossible and which you can do if you have a little bit of help” (Laureate, Inc.).
For each of the theories, I can see where this knowledge is useful to me both as a learner, and as an instructional designer. The following is a description of how I use each theory to learn:
