Brain Based Learning? Problem Based Learning? It's All Starting to Run Together.

Studying the learning process has left me somewhat confused and in need of additional examples to illustrate each theory. This confusion has left me questioning the validity of whole learning theories as well as how to go about implementing instructional programs that incorporate key theoretical principles. Sources have both honored and rejected brain based research. Some believe due to its history in animal testing, the results are irrelevant if applied to human learning processes. Other sources embrace the learning theories, as they provide somewhat of a foundation for understanding the human learning process. Ruth Palombo Weiss's, Brain Based Learning: The Wave of the Brain explains why educators should take advantage of the knowledge of how humans learn that can be gained from brain-based research.

The article begins by providing an illustration of how neuron research has proven that no two humans are alike. Every nerve cell serves as a relay station, and the chemical communication that takes place serves as the foundation of all human behavior. This information is relevant to educators and instructional designers simply because it validates the theories that support differentiated instruction. Additionally, this research has helped scientists explore how human brains process memory, emotion, attention, patterning, and context. Although it does not provide definate answers to the remaining questions of brain- based research, it does provide scientists and educators with a firm foundation in the area of brain exploration. Weiss provides an explanation of the elements of brain-based research that if taken into consideration while designing an instructional program will lead to an effective strategy.

Chapter 1 of Problem Based Learning: An Instructional Model and its Cognitive Framework by John R. Savory and Thomas M. Duffy, goal is to establish a connection between the constructivist theory, the practice
of instructional design, and teaching. They begin by clarifying their interpretation of the constructivist theory and what they believe to be the central principles in learning and understanding. They move on to identify and explain eight instructional principles for designing a constructivist learning environment, and an examination of what they consider to be the best elements of the constructivist learning environment. Chapter one concludes with the idea that problem based learning is not a socratic process, nor is it a limited learning environment. The learner has ownership of the problems in such an environment, and instruction is based on metacognitive processes. The link established by Duffy and Savory provides a thorough explanation of a problem based learning environment, as well as highlights the key principles of the constructivist learning theory that are relevant to the fields of instructional design and teaching, thus demonstrating how one should go about applying key elements.

The Doorway to Professional Learning Communities

As a language arts teacher and lover of words, one might think that I would have been well acquainted with blogging and even have an established blog. Although I have heard of it, I've never taken out the time to read a blog. As I prepare to establish myself as a reputable instructional designer it is imperative that I join professional communities from which I can both acquire as well as contribute knowledge.

The field of instructional design is one that seems to be universal, as designers are needed in nearly every aspect education and corporate training. I began researching blogs specific to K-12 education only to find that I was limiting myself because there is a vast wealth of knowledge within every realm of instructional design.

As a virtual educator and student I was drawn to Ferninand Krauss's, IDEAS: Instructional Design for E-learning Approaches blog (http://ideasblogs.com/) because its primary theme is distance education for professionals. Although in this case, the professionals are in the field of medicine, which is so far removed from my background as an educator. However, it is not the site's target audience that grasped my attention, but its rich content and reflective insights on e-learning and instructional design technology. There is very little information that I will be able to contribute to this site, but it will serve as an excellent resource for supplementing my professional growth.

With research and joining professional learning communities in the field of instructional design being the focus of this task I was drawn to Michele Martin's, The Bamboo Project (http://michelemartin.typepad.com, because its primary focus is career development, technology. and learning strategies for lifelong professional growth. The material found in this blog epitomize the founding principles of professional learning communities. It is dedicated to assisting its subscribers in using the best practices and social media tools to develop both as individuals and organizations. This site offers blogging for knowledge sharing, learning and training, personal learning, productivity, and professional development. Unlike the IDEAS blog, this site is not as specific, so contributing to it does not seem to be so far removed from my future plans, in addition to the knowledge that I anticipate gaining from it.

Christy Tucker's, Experience E-Learning (http://christytucker.wordpress.com) blog, was perhaps the most relevant to my professional needs. This site focuses on instructional design techniques for K-12 learners, design techniques for project-based learning, and instructional design techniques for online learning. As a secondary virtual English teacher, the content offered in this blog seems to address every question and interest that may come about. As a graduate student who has conducted a great deal of research on learning theories and style, I am particularly interested in reading the blogs that both defend and debunk the validity and reliability of learning styles research. Although I have subscribed to and will continue to follow each blog, I believe Experience E-Learning will be the one where I will spend the most time searching for answers and supplemental knowledge, as well as contributing thoughtful posts.