Learning Principles

Hi again,

In this blog, I want to discuss learning principles. Not only is the material presented important for staff, it is also important that the instructor be aware of how his/her material is delivered. There are many good principles to choose from. There will be three learning principles emphasized in this teaching plan.  First, instructors need to make clear expectations of what they want from students. If they want students to achieve at high levels, then we need to define what we expect students to learn (University of Pittsburgh, 2010). What the instructors expect need to be communicated clearly so students can achieve their best.  As we all know, sometimes that does not always occur. As students understand and visualize the criterion needed to meet the standards, in turn, they can see their goals attained.

Secondly, positive reinforcement is another learning principle. It is related to teaching new skills which lead to continued positive behavior.  The rationale is that “instructors need to use reinforcement on a frequent and regular basis to help the students retain what they have learned” (Lieb,1991, para.19).

 The last principle is retention. Students must retain information from classes in order to benefit from the learning. “The instructors' jobs are not finished until they have assisted the learner in retaining the information. In order for participants to retain the information taught, they must see a meaning or purpose for that information. If the participants did not learn the material well initially, they will not retain it well either (Lieb,1991, para.20).

                                                                      References

Lieb, S. (1991). Principles of adult learning. Arizona Department of Health Services and South  Mountain Community College, VISION. Retrieved from http://www2.honolulu.hawaii.edu/facdev/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm

University of Pittsburgh (2010).  Learning Research and Development Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved from http://ifl.lrdc.pitt.edu/ifl/index.php/resources/principles_of_learning

We are coming closer to the end of this topic, I will see you all tomorrow. . .

Panthera!