Reflection On Experience And Learning

When I was younger, I would often return home to a familiar question: So, what did you learn today? My answer would always be "nothing" or "stuff." As I look back, I never lied, yet, I never told the whole truth. Many people think that you don't know anything with only 18 years of experience; I think they're wrong. I've learned a lot about myself and others from the relationships I have built throughout the years. I believe my most important lessons were "people" lessons. Those are the ones which could never be taught out of a book or in a lecture; you have to go out and experience them for yourself.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that there are different theories based on how an individual learns. These theories are based on individuality rather than a group as a whole. I will compare and contrast the different learning theories as previously determined by educators Malcom S. Knowles which used Andragogy and Pedagogy compared to David Kolb which uses Experiential learning, through interactions and research of this subject.

My first key point comes from Dirksen, where it discusses how “learning experiences are like journeys.” You begin this journey in the now and the end of your journey is when you reach success. “The end of the journey isn’t learning more, it’s doing more.” One thing that comes to mind in this particular example is college. College is a journey, you begin the journey when you start your first semester of college as an eager freshman, and your college journey ends when you graduate. When you graduate college a new journey begins as you are entering the world on a job search and ends when you have reached your goal and landed the job. You have to decide if that job is really the

When I first decided to continue my education, I needed more than a normal academic training. I was looking for something with a more meaningful reason to existence, a higher purpose, and to fulfill the prodding determination to finish what I have started years past. A huge part of it may also be the unimaginable maturity level I had reached which withholds the unforgettable lessons learned, especially the losses of love ones.

Adults differ from children in that they have spent years building up a foundation of life experience that serves as a starting point for any new learning whether formal or informal. Malcolm Knowles recognized this foundation when outlining his theory of Andragogy. He also highlighted that adults not only approach learning opportunities with prior experience, but also find motivation for learning within themselves, are able to learn independently and have the ability to integrate learning into their previously established experiences and find immediate application for their new learnings (Abela, 2009).

From being 18 to being 31 now, there are some major differences for one an adult learner is goal oriented, adult learners are not just goal oriented but are interested and want to know why they should learn things. These things are explained through David Kolb” who identified a four-part learning process based on firsthand experience in which knowledge is created” (Kolb, 1984). As a learner, I am different than others some people learn through concrete experience, some through

Education has always been a huge influence on my life. The process of learning and growing as an individual was

The second article, “Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-Traditional College Students” by Kenner and Weinerman, I think I relate to more because I did not go into college right away after finishing high school. Getting a college degree was not as important to me as going out in the work force and making money, or traveling and having the opportunity to be adventurous. I have a different learning style because of that, and in a way it can both help and hurt my learning. “Knowles identifies four principles that characterize adult learners” (Kenner, Weinerman, 2011). The fourth is that we are motivated, which I definitely am. We go back to school to achieve a personal goal that we have set for ourselves (Kenner, Weinerman, 2011). That is why I have decided to go back to school.

Experiential learning theory provides a holistic model of the learning process and a multilinear model of the learning process and a multilinear model of adult development, both of which are consistent with what we know about how people grow ,learn and develop .The theory is called experiential learning to emphasize the central role that experience plays in the learning process.

"…reflection in a mirror is an exact replica of what is in front of it. Reflection in professional practice… gives back not what it is, but what might be, an improvement on the original…" Biggs (1999).

This immense diversity of experiences including the phase I am now going through, has shaped me into who I am today. I have become an even more mature, determined and understanding person, who is more driven than ever, while not losing sight of nicety and kindness as a living principle.

Reflection is thought by linking recent experience with early experience to promote more complex and interrelated mental models or patterns. The thinking involves looking for commonalities, differences, and interrelations beyond their superficial elements. The goal is to develop higher order thinking skills.

Every now and then I think about my education from kindergarten through senior year of high school and I wonder where I would be and who I would be without it. I have realized that those thirteen years of my life were essential to my development as an individual, for they have shaped me into the person I am today.

The answer is NO. ‘Nothing will become real unless experienced’ said John Keats (as cited in Beard and Wilson, 2013, p. 28). We cannot learn from experiences until reflecting over it. To understand reflecting over experiences, it is important to understand experiential learning first.

I believe a successful learning experience is engaging and valued by the students. I believe students’ will value what they are learning if they believe what they’re learning is relevant. Relevance is important to teaching and learning because it is directly related to student engagement and motivation (Frymier & Schulman, 1995; Martin & Dowson, 2009). Marsh (2008), states a positive classroom environment provides a sense of security, community, belonging and identity (Marsh, 2008). Based on my experience as a practicing teacher, I have found establishing clear expectations within the classroom assist in maintaining control and discipline, to create a safe learning environment (Fatt Hee, 1996). I believe within all classrooms, students’ diversity should be valued. This creates a discrimination free environment and ensures students feel safe and included (Philips, 2010). According to Stanford & Parkay (2007) students are more engaged in class when learning experiences are satisfying, challenging and friendly.