Research tells us that there are seven principles of learning and we'll have a
look at these one by one right now
One of the first principles is prior
learning, it is our prior knowledge what we
already know and experiences that determine how we see and interpret the
world around us; it is what we already know that determines what we can then
learn, it allows us to set a goal and monitor progress towards that goal.
Here's an example of concepts that need to have been learned previously before
an individual can attempt a specific module.
An important aspect is
misconceptions, these can lead to false foundations on which if we build can be
difficult to correct later.
That is why it is important to identify these
misconceptions as early as possible so misconceptions and knowledge gaps will
notify you of what people are able to understand.
To leverage our students'
prior learning we can use a pre training survey, we can get to know our audience
their background, roles, their motivation for their work or for attending the training.
A second principle is organized knowledge.
I'm not going to go into the
biological level of how the brain works with neurons or neural connections but
at another level the same principle applies.
We learn the basic concepts of a
topic and then connect these concepts with relationships, creating what is
called a concept map or mental model.
Sometimes an expert, someone who knows
their subject very well has difficulty conveying that understanding to the
students unless they break their concept map their understanding of the subject
into simpler pieces.
This is an example of a concept map.
So I have an
understanding of what a PI server is what it includes: system management tools
PI Builder, PI System Explorer and I also have an understanding of what each of
these tools can do.
The PI Builder can create or edit pie
points, the PI System Explorer includes the AF user interface; but if you're not
familiar with the PI System or the concepts I'm talking about you're going
to be very confused.
So you have to go through this map very
gradually breaking it up into individual segments discussing or presenting on
these and then proceeding and building out that concept map
And although it's
more effective for students to structure their own concept map as they're learning
providing a starting point is always useful.
A metaphor for concept maps
is that of a wardrobe.
For the expert the wardrobe is very well
organized they know where to find the shirts and socks but for the novice
there's a lot less structure.
Therefore a concept map or mental model can serve as
a blueprint for novices to structure their understanding in a similar way and
helps them familiarize with a topic.
Motivation is what directs and sustains
what people are willing to do and learn.
We'll talk more about motivation later
on but as a quick preview motivation includes aspects such as rewards
progress and recognition; being motivated is absolutely fundamental in being able
to learn something.
The final four principles of learning are mastery
feedback, climate and metacognition.
Mastery means that being good at
anything requires practice, repetition and increasing levels of challenge.
The main idea is to help learners recognize their learning gaps, even things they
don't know they don't know.
That's why our workshops feature plenty of hands-on
opportunities.
Feedback: one of the most important aspects of any learning experience it's
very valuable to have an external point of view for our learning progress often
attributed to a coach, trainer or teacher.
It helps learners identify alternative
approaches and it can motivate and encourage.
The environment itself can
also offer feedback as a natural response; it's very effective to learn
from our mistakes but also important to provide a safe space to experiment
like our VMs for example.
Climate is one of the trickier aspects to get right
because it's the result of many factors.
The idea is to create a space that is
conducive to learning.
Do people feel respected, valued, encouraged to ask questions?
Climate is affected by trainer tone
stereotypes, audience demographics , levels of understanding
Strategies for a
healthier climate include establishing ground rules for interaction.
For example, through an online forum, getting direct feedback and using diverse examples.
Metacognition means being aware of one's learning process, monitor progress
identify challenges and problem-solving against them.
Novice learners need the most support
but gradually they should be allowed to take control of their learning.
It means more responsibility, self assessing progress
identifying approaches that work or not.
Strategies here include "think out loud"
where you're vocalizing what you are thinking as you are solving a problem.
Offering checklists of tasks and peer assessment.