Week16 Summative Reflection – LTEC 6010: What Did You Learn? What Do You Still Need To Learn?

Image credit: Human Brain Development by Natalya Kosarevich, Getty Images (2023)

LTEC 6010, has been a very humbling experience. Dr. Warren continually reinforced during the course that you think you know, but this course helps you realize you have so much more to learn. In the words of Forest Long, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste” (Long 1972). Some of my major learnings (not just about new concepts) were about changing the ways in which I perceive knowledge, learning and research.

One of the most influential aspects for me was developing a deeper understanding of ontology and epistemology. At the start of the semester, these seemed like philosophical abstractions. Over the past few weeks, I've began to appreciate how they inform all of our perceptions, how we define what is real to us, and how we justify knowing or believing something. My biggest realization from this course was that my own assumptions will always impact how I address problems and interpret data. Although I am more aware of these theoretical lenses now, I still need to continue working at being more intentional in utilizing them in my research and decision-making processes.

My second major lesson was developing my individualized learning theory. From what I've gathered through this process, I tend to be a constructivist learner, because I make connections and create meanings through relationships among ideas. That said, I also saw value in the role of behaviorism and cognitivism within learning contexts especially when students require structured support and or reinforcement. Where I struggle to grow further, however, is becoming more deliberate in selecting the best learning approach based upon the specific context instead of using the approaches that have developed naturally.

In addition to developing my learning theory, I had a significant shift in how I conceptualize academic work through Claim, Evidence, Reasoning. Prior to this course, I thought that creating a claim was sufficient; if it could be logically supported with relevant evidence. Through this course, however, I've discovered that there is much more involved in establishing a strong argument it requires a valid claim, supporting evidence and logical reasoning. Developing the skills to utilize evidence more objectively while evaluating sources and synthesizing information into coherent arguments is another area where I need to improve.

Domain Language and Procedural Outcomes have deepened my appreciation for the importance of mastering the vocabulary of a discipline to fully engage with that discipline. In addition to appreciating the importance of procedural outcomes, I now think in terms of what learners should be able to "do" as opposed to what learners should be able to "know." Still, converting complex ideas into clear measurable outcome indicators remains an area where I need to develop additional skills.

Further, exploring Behaviorism, Cognitivism and Constructivism provided me with a more comprehensive model for how learning takes place. Each theory provides a unique lens into understanding learning; each complements other theories as well. Now that I understand each theory separately, the next step for me will be to learn how to apply each theory in effective manners especially as I plan for meaningful learning opportunities.

Additionally, the philosophical principles surrounding Research Design have opened my eyes even wider. Prior to this course, I perceived research as far more objective than I did after taking this course; research is informed by the researcher's underlying belief systems regarding what constitutes knowledge and what constitutes reality. Although I'm able to more clearly recognize these influences today than before, I still need to enhance my ability to both identify and articulate these influences in both my own research efforts as well as in those of others.

Lastly, Systems Theory has fundamentally altered the manner in which I consider Organizations or Learning Environments. Today, I perceive these as integrated systems comprised of many dynamic elements rather than distinct entities. This systemic model has greatly aided me in recognizing complexity; nonetheless, I still need to develop my abilities to navigate and affect these systems effectively.

All in all, this course has challenged me to reconsider not only what I know but how I came to know what I currently believe or know. Thus, I depart this experience not with a feeling of completion, but with an expanded awareness that what I currently know is merely the starting point for the actual potential for development exists in continuing to ask questions, explore and pursue how much more there is for me to discover or learn.