Creating a Culture Of Learning

Alyncia M. Bowen, PhD

Objectives

• Increased knowledge of transformational education and the adult learning theory

• Increased understanding of Maslow’s Hierarchy of need in creating a culture of learning

• Increased knowledge of how to create a culture of learning

Abstract

The 21st century has provided educators with the unique opportunity of transforming education in a manner that promotes innovation and creativity. The changing demographic of the adult learner promotes a globalized learning environment that requires a transformation in the education process. The culture of the classroom, whether virtual or traditional, must embrace the adult learning theories, principles and practices.

Abstract continued

A primary tenant of the adult learning theory is the ability of the learner to apply learning that occurs in a safe learning community. This community of learning is predicated upon the implementation of Maslow’s hierarchy of motivational and affective needs, and is evidenced in class as respect for experiential and transformational learning. Fundamentally, this culture of learning is an example of an effective teaching strategy in any teaching format – face to face, online and or internationally.

Teaching Philosophy

As a facilitator of knowledge, it is important to embrace learning as an evolutionary, transformative process. In collaboration with students, I encourage, promote and develop individuals in a manner that supports their personal, academic and professional endeavors. Teaching is a collaborative between all learners, the facilitator/educator and the student. Ideas, concepts and knowledge are transferred in a strategic manner that is supported by a community that holistically embraces the knowledge content being shared.

Transformational Education

What is transformational education?

Transformation

• The operation of changing one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule

• An operation that converts

Adult Learning Theory

• What is the adult learning theory?– Andragogy emphasizes the value of the process of

learning. – It is not a didactic approach– Promotes equality between the teacher and the learner

• What are the characteristics of the adult learner?– Internally motivated and self-directed– Brings life experiences and knowledge to the learning

experience– Goal oriented– Relevancy and practical oriented– Learners like to be respected

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need

Culture / Community of Learning

"Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action."-Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory, 1977

Community

• A unified body of individuals

• The people with common interests living in a particular area

• A body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests

Community

Projects feelings of– Belonging – Identity– Unity– Togetherness– Likeness– Sharing

Community provides

• A learning environment

• A place to share knowledge

• Social learning (Bandura, 1977)

• Experiential learning (Kolb and Kolb)

Community

How can we promote a sense of community within our learning environments?

Case Study – Application of Knowledge

Teaching Philosophy

As a facilitator of knowledge, it is important to embrace learning as an evolutionary, transformative process. In collaboration with students, I encourage, promote and develop individuals in a manner that supports their personal, academic and professional endeavors. Teaching is a collaborative between all learners, the facilitator/educator and the student. Ideas, concepts and knowledge are transferred in a strategic manner that is supported by a community that holistically embraces the knowledge content being shared.

Contact Information

Dr. Alyncia M. Bowen

614-578-0859

AlynciaPhD@gmail.com

bowena@franklin.edu