7 WAYS OF
LEARNING
1. BEHAVIORAL LEARNING
Learning that focuses on building physical and procedural skills through repetition and reinforcement using methods like tasks and practice exercises. Grounded in behavioral psychology and operant conditioning, this approach ensures learners master accuracy, precision, and efficiency in specific skills.
2. COGNITIVE LEARNING
Aims at acquiring knowledge such as basic concepts, terminology, and foundational information within a field. Utilizing presentations and explanations, this method draws on cognitive psychology principles related to attention, memory, and information processing.
3. LEARNING THROUGH INQUIRY
Encourages the development of critical, creative, and dialogical thinking by engaging learners in question-driven inquiries and discussions. Rooted in logic and classical philosophy, this approach improves reasoning and thinking processes.
4. LEARNING WITH MENTAL MODELS
Develops problem-solving and decision-making abilities through methods like case studies, projects, and labs. Informed by Gestalt psychology and decision theory, it equips learners with mental strategies for finding solutions and making choices.
5. LEARNING THROUGH GROUPS & TEAMS
Explores attitudes, feelings, and diverse perspectives via collaborative activities and team projects. Based on human communication and group counseling theories, it enhances awareness of biases and fosters effective collaboration.
6. LEARNING THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITIES
Practices professional judgment in complex, real-world scenarios using role-playing, simulations, and games. Drawing from psychodrama, sociodrama, and gaming theory, this method helps learners navigate context-dependent situations effectively.
7. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
​Emphasizes reflection on real-world experiences, promoting self-discovery and personal growth through internships, service-learning, and similar methods. Influenced by experiential learning theory and constructivism, it supports meaningful learning through active engagement with the world.
7 WAYS OF FACILITATING LEARNING
(Davis & Arend, 2013)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & REFERENCES
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Davis, J.R., & Arend, B.D. (2013). Facilitating seven ways of learning: A resource for more purposeful, effective, and enjoyable college teaching. (pp. 31-69). Stylus Publishing.
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Merriam, S.B., & Baumgartner, L.M. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
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Rocco, Smith, Mizzi, Merriweather & Hawley (Eds.). (2020). Handbook of adult and continuing education. Sage Publishing.
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Ross-Gordon, J.M., Rose, A.D., & Kasworm, C.E. (2017). Foundations of adult and continuing education. Jossey-Bass.
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Wlodkowski, R. J., & Ginsberg, M.B. (2017). Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A comprehensive guide for teaching all adults (4th ed.). (pp. 313-315). Jossey-Bass.