Modes Of Learning

When we talk about teaching for learning, we need to first understand what the objectives behind the purpose should be. In this research we need to consider the following aspects:

• What are the styles by which students or participants learn?
• What we want students or the participants to be able to do after the learning?
• Would our mode of teaching help structure and induce learning?
• Would our teaching help students engage in learning activities?
• How does this learning help them further their career?

There are broadly, two modes of teaching – the conventional or traditional method and the modern or International method. Now, what about learning, one may ask? Is it just that the teacher of faculty teaches and one learns or has the scope widened? Yes, it definitely has. It is interesting to know that research into learning abilities and styles has bought with it a revolution in understanding that every person has a particular style of learning; or learns in a combination style – that learning style is not a default aspect.

Interesting, isn’t it? It would then be nice to know few approaches or modes students and participants have of learning. These modes can be broadly classified into Conventional or Traditional Modes of Learning

Traditional Modes of Learning

• Independent Learning
  • Is when an individual is able to think, act and pursue their own studies autonomously, without the same levels of support you receive from a teacher at school
• Teacher Instructed Group Learning
• This type of learning is led by an Instructor or faculty to a large or small audience. Lectures, workshops, conferences, lab classes and so on can be classified into this group
• Written and Verbal Learning
  • In written or verbal learning, words are used for learning. In written mode of learning, one learns either by writing whatever the instructor speaks or from a manual. In the Verbal mode of learning, the students is more able to grasp what the instructor is saying or while reading it loud
• Inquiry based Learning
  • In Inquiry-based learning also referred to as Enquiry-based learning, the student/candidate learns by posing questions or asking solutions to problems rather than simply presenting solutions or established facts. The assistance of a facilitator or coach is often taken
• Research based Learning
  • Research-based learning (RBL) is a combination learning, covering two or more forms of learning. In RBL, the student/participant combines the approaches of enquiry/ inquiry-based learning and the features of undergraduate research. Basically an approach to learning that is driven by a process of enquiry
• Presentations
  • Learning through presentations help the student/participant in many ways that are significant if handled in a variety of interesting and useful ways. In this style, the student/participant learns how to communicate to a large group, is able to put forth ideas and learn how to engage the audience and accept feedback. It also helps develop critiquing skills. The guidance of a facilitator is often taken
• Reflective Learning
  • In Reflective learning, the student/candidate analyse their learning experience, a process that will help them develop critical thinking skills and improve on future performance. An enquiry and feedback process helps the student get answers and increase their knowledge level

 

Modern Modes of Learning

This kind of learning introduces the blended mode of learning; a learning where the traditional methods of learning are enhanced with the use of technology to create a more interactive and interesting level of learning.

• • On-Line or E-learning: 
    In this type of learning, the student/participant educates himself using the electronic media, which typically means using a computer through which a part or the complete course is delivered. This particular mode is used to either enhance existing knowledge or get a complete course training and certification to enable professional and personal growth. The course is often conducted on-line by a facilitator.

 

• • Quality Enhancement Learning:   
    An innovative mode of learning where the student/participant learns to respond and react to various situations. It brings him from the niche to mainstream environment. This mode of learning is developmental, incremental and innovative.

 

• • Face-To-Face Individual Tutorials:   
    Another mode of learning is the face to face mode or individual tutoring. This mode is adopted by students/participant who prefers and learns through focused attention and discussion. This mode of learning could be adopted for a particular subject or the entire course. The learning is often conducted by a facilitator or coach.

 

• • Self-Managed Learning or Self-directed Learning: 
    In Self-managed learning mode, the learning is owned by the individual. Here the participant learns and aligns the knowledge or training with organizational needs. A self-managed learning with the help of technology.