Introduction
Part of what makes everyone special in their own way, is their ability to learn. Every individual has a different style of learning which should be embraced. It could be through visuals, audio, text or even physical interaction. An individual’s preferred style allows them to recall information using different parts of the brain. By using the part of the brain that is easiest to access, people are able to learn more effectively. With the relatively recent advancement in technology, people have been able to work with their learning styles. Earlier, people gathered knowledge by going to class and listening to a teacher. Now, students are able to watch videos online, complete puzzles, or even listen to songs. This is why, it is important to distinguish between all the options available and pick the one that is best suited. With several years of research, a few types have been identified that are proven via experimenting.
What are the styles?
Behaviourism, the idea that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning which is gathered by an interaction with the environment. An example of behaviourism is the rewarding of a dog upon desired behaviour to encourage similar behaviours in the future. Cognitivism recognizes that people are able to learn through exposure and personal understanding. An example of cognitivism is the tutoring of students through manageable steps. Constructivism is a belief that knowledge is subjective, constructed from mutually agreed conventions. An example of this is a teacher allowing their students to solve a problem individually rather than using concrete steps. Learning by doing understands that the best way to enforce learning is by allowing the student to keep trying until they succeed. An example of this is someone learning to win chess games by playing against more opponents rather than learning others’ moves. Connectivism appreciates the advancement in technology and emphasises the internet being a valuable source of learning. For example, as information is added to the internet and notified to a learner, their knowledge rises.
What about me?
Personally, I learn best by constantly performing the action I wish to master. According to Dan Pratt, learning by doing is most effective for motor activities like playing a sport. He mentions, “it’s important to remember that in this perspective, one cannot learn from afar. Instead, one learns amid the engagement of participating in the authentic, dynamic and unique swirl of genuine practice.” This method is slightly different for a classroom setting in comparison to motor skills as in the master and the learner must vocalize their thoughts until they are in agreement. This helps students understand a concept and not simply memorize it.
* Please visit https://youtu.be/4MnsE7_SM4M for a visual demonstration of myself learning by doing along with my justification for using a video to display this. *
How have you showcased this so far?
The first task I was presented with was the one to create a simple comic strip. A task of this nature does not require an intense learning of code or programming. Hence, I decided to begin designing one and let my creativity take over. In the future, I will be able to create comic strips in a lesser amount of time with a higher degree of quality. Following this, I was asked to take part in an experiment that required me to test my memorization capabilities. Within this task, I tested my ability to multi-task and its effects on my learning. This experiment allowed me to understand the benefits of focusing on one thing at a time which is something I was “told” previously but I never acted upon. Only once I performed an experiment did I start implementing a change in my left. This is another example of how I learnt something by doing. Finally, I was asked to take on a new challenge that I deemed, difficult. In this case I tackled a sudoku puzzle for which, I could have read online for strategies and hints to look out for. This would be an approach a traditional learner would use, however, I decided to form my own strategies and patterns as I tried to complete this puzzle. Although, it took me roughly 30 minutes to complete, I am confident in my ability to solve puzzles in the future much sooner. To conclude, the idea of learning by doing is one that resonates from within and although other individuals may prefer a different approach, this is what is most effective for me.
Why am I blogging this?
Apart from having the skill to articulate your thoughts into an insightful post, is the ability to find the optimal presentation method. Whether you choose to create a comic, a blog, a video or a podcast, your viewer/reader must be gripped and entertained. Holding the attention of an individual on the internet who has the option to close the site and access a different one is an imperative skill. In the digital age, people do not pay for the internet and the features that comes with it. A user is under no obligation to appreciate one’s post which is why it is the creator’s duty to have a hook.
Blogs are an effective way to reach out to a vast number of people. These blogs are created for people who gather information via others’ experiences. My views on the benefits of learning by doing might be of interest to someone and could potentially affect their livelihood. This is the perfect place for someone looking for a non-published, corporate opinion on something that has them unsettled.
Other forms of presenting this information would not be as effective because of the value a blog adds. The aim of this post is to inform internet users that it is effective to learn by doing. A podcast would not have a hook because users must listen to it completely without the option to skim it over and retain the points that they find valuable. An infographic to voice an opinion is often avoided because they are normally used as a marketing strategy. Posters normally try to force an opinion to its viewers, as it claims their view is “correct.” In my blog, I am simply identifying my experience with learning by doing and is meant for anyone looking to implement this style in their life.
What did we learn?
In the end, I was able to establish that my preferred choice of learning is by doing. Whether it be demonstrated through the solving of sudoku puzzles or the juggling of a soccer ball, I am able to effectively learn through practice. Writing a blog allowed me to voice this viewpoint to the general population that I can only do due to the advancement in technology. On the other hand, a video was the perfect supplement to show progress through doing. I look forward to continuing taking on challenges and solving them on my own merit.
