If you had to choose one word to describe what learning mean to you, what would you choose? For me, I’m going to say lifelong because we never stop learning. To be politically correct, we learn something new every day. I have been a perceptual student my entire life. I thirst for knowledge. And, when I get myself locked onto a subject, I jump right in the deep end. Total immersion. So, what does learning mean to me? The best way I can describe it is what water is to a tree. Learning helps me grow. I feel I’m constantly moving forward in the world. And, as of the last two decades, or even more there’s so much information available, I feel like I’m running a marathon to keep up!

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“Learning is growth and Growth is learning” – Kenneth H. Blanchard

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                My learning philosophy lies in enhancing the development of critical thinking in the classroom. I believe that learning can influence or originate from the urge to find information about different life concepts. Since we as humans, are naturally curious, it is relatively easy to support learning by guiding them to get answers to their questions. My learning philosophy lies in the values of rational thinking. I believe in obtaining legit information from teachers and asking immediate questions in different subjects. I strive to learn through example and encourage students to hunger for information beyond the classroom. Teachers and counselors must develop the curiosity to learn from their adult students to control effective learning.

As teachers are primary tools to deliver lessons at all different levels, educators and researchers are increasingly concerned about how teachers’ beliefs and personal background may influence classroom management, curriculum and instruction planning and expectations of students.  My teaching philosophy as a financial aid counselor bank on some core values, including effective communication, teaching through words and actions, and ultimate honest. It is extremely important to be open and honest whenever speaking with people about money. My aim in counseling is to teach students to develop the urge to look for answers by asking questions. There are always going to be unexpected issues that arise with finances.  Rather its budgeting, repaying student loans or credit cards you will hit some bumps in the road, and the only way to avoid those is by being financial literate. I strive to trigger problems to create an environment where students keep searching for solutions to the unknown. It does not matter whether I am in an office or outdoor setting; I am always available for my student s to ask questions. This way, curiosity will guide the learning process in students, and focuses on the objectives of the curriculum.

What makes me a Behaviorist?

I identify with two main learning theories behaviorist and cognitivist. Behavioral theory is based on the belief that behavior is learned. Classic conditioning is one type of behavioral therapy that stems from early theorist Ivan Palov’s research. Pavlov executed a famous study using dogs, which focused on the effects of a learned response (dog salivating when hearing a bell) through a stimulus (pairing the sound of a bell with food).  So, if financial literacy starts to be taught in school it will develop into a learned response. Therefore, things like budgeting, establishing credit and managing debt will not be second nature. The economy will be better, and more Americans will be successful.

What makes me a Cognitivist?

            In the 1960’s psychotherapist Aaron Beck developed cognitive theory. This counseling theory focuses on how people’s thinking can change feelings and behaviors. Cognitive theory is brief in nature and oriented toward problem solving. As a counselor, I should use the cognitive theory to focus more on my student’s present situation and distorted thinking than on their past. By combining the cognitive and behavioral theory I can connect with my students on a more personal level. For example, financial hardships can lead to several mental illnesses including anxiety, personality, eating, and substance abuse disorders.

            To conclude, I must assert that with this passage of time my philosophy about teaching, learning, learning environment, and adult learning has changed.  When I reflect, I realized that the environment I received in school and college was not fruitful for my learning. Due to which I am not able to have full command my thoughts and words. But now, because of the ADL program, I am in a better position to implement my learning philosophy as a financial advisor.

 

Annotated Bibliography

 

Smith, M.K (2018). Learning theory. Retrieved June15, 2019 from The Encyclopedia of Informal Education website: http://infed.org/mobi/learning-theory-models-product-and-process/

This article surveys key dimensions and ideas of what learning is and the different learning theories. Smith also uses the information from past philosophers and relate the experience to today’s society.

 

Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, KY: CreateSpace?

 

The book focuses on the theory that a new culture of learning surrounds the synergy of the unlimited number of resources in the world today and a bounded learning environment that creates the necessity for imagination. And where we have imagination, play and creativity, learning happens.

 

UNESCO. (2017). Most influential theories of learning. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/quality-framework/technical-notes/influential-theories-of-learning/

This publication gave an overview of several different learning theories: Behavioral, cognitive, constructivism, experiential learning, multiple intelligence, situated learning, and community of practice. This was a great start to understanding the different learning theories.