Case as Teaching Tool

      This case study would definitely fit effortlessly into the course How People Learn. It is  best to introduce this type of assignment to the students once they are deep into the course. This way these learners will be able to take a look at the case study with a more critical eye. Also, this case study can challenge the students to use prior knowledge learned of the many different concepts explored in this course to connect all of the dots.

Introduction

Throughout the past few weeks, you have entered a whole new world exploring the many concepts and theories involved in the process of learning. Now, you will have the enlightening opportunity to use your reflection of all of this new learning of hypothetical situations to take a critical look at the profile of a real learner in action.

 Objectives

• Observe case study learner with critical eye of a researcher
• Make connections between assigned readings and the real learning of case subject
• Consider assigned readings in combination with your own personal learning inside and outside of the classroom

Assignment

Readings:

Mayer, R. E. (2011). Applying the science of learning. Boston: Pearson. Wk2-Mayer2011.pdf 

Rosenheck, M. (2010). The marriage of formal & informal learning. Training Today, 18–21. Wk6-Rosenheck - Marraige_of_Formal_Informal_Learning.pdf 

Wlodkowski, R. (2008). Understanding Motivation for Adult Learners. In Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn (3rd ed., pp. 1–30). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. WK4-Enhancing_Adult_Motivation_to_Learn_ch1.pdf 

The Case Study

Take a good look at the case study, The Fire Fighting Student: From the classroom to the fire station, which explores the learning experience of a Fire Fighter Student. Make sure to keep both present and past readings in mind as you explore this learning profile.

The Discussion

Before Thursday, 11:59 PM ET

How did you connect the ideas and theories explored in these readings to the actual case study subject's experience of learning? What do you think is the most significant underlying concept proven through this learner's experience?

Through this reflection, create a Learning Concept Map based off of your analysis of this subject's perception of his own learning.

Truly reflect on the experience of someone who learns both in the classroom and on the job on two totally different types of information.  What concepts in the readings resemble the learner's experience? Illustrate the ways you see connections between concepts discussed both in the readings and in the learner's experience.

Between Thursday and Sunday, 11:59 PM ET

For a follow-up response, explore the maps of your peers. What is the common thread shown, if any?  Through the themes discussed, what seems to be the most significant to the learner's experience? Do you have any burning questions that are still left unanswered?

What's Next

This week, you are challenged to explore a learning situation where the two worlds of formal and non-formal learning collide. Looking at the big picture of learning, you gradually found that prior knowledge, self-motivation, and even the concept of learning styles all play a role in the experience of a learner.

Next week, we will begin to explore the role of expertise in learning.