In the blog post, “Overcoming Challenges in a New Professional Role,” Conrad describes his experience adapting to his first job requiring his training in first aid and CPR. He talks about the power of learning with the constructivist approach, in which he performs in real situations, gets feedback from a colleague, and applies the learning to new situations. He also talks about applying information he has learned from studying principles and procedures using behaviourist and constructivist approaches of learning.
I can really see the progression of learning through this description of your experience, Conrad. As in the class readings, you note the difference in approaches, from behaviourist during practice and with repeated exposure, to constructivist, where you utilize higher thinking skills as you solve unique problems in real situations. I think you made an important observation when you drew on the things you learned with behaviourist and cognitivist approaches in order to support your ability to learn more in a constructivist approach. We really cannot rely on one approach for everything, can we? I am curious, because you mention both behaviourism and cognitivism, but give an example only for behaviourist learning, in what ways did cognitivist learning play a part in your training?
It sounds like the learning in your constructivist phase of this experience was more challenging and a bit disquieting. Having those answers or solutions that we, as learners, can identify as definitely right or wrong makes us feel safe. But, as you said, exploring the grey areas where we look at things we can do better or worse allows us to gain deeper understanding and a different kind of confidence. Now that you have that richer understanding, do you still find yourself ever going back to relying on the memorized knowledge you gained?
What are some other examples of situations where you think combining learning strategies is applicable?
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