HPL: Learning and Transfer

Interestingly, the learning orientation aspect (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2008, p.49) of the Learning and Transfer paper reminded me of a research study that I co-authored with two of my professors at Cedar Crest College several years ago.

As we hypothesized, our findings suggested that performance-oriented students who were motivated by grades expressed higher levels of computer anxiety and negative attitudes toward learning how to use new computer programs than students who were learning oriented. Apparently, students who enrolled in college courses that contained some sort of computer requirement, such as learning a new statistical package, embraced the challenge of learning and performing on the computer if they took the course to master the material, rather than to just achieve a satisfactory grade,. These performance-oriented students viewed the computer as another tool that enhanced their learning and enabled them to gain transferable skills. However, learning oriented students who attended courses only to fulfill a college requirement did not embrace learning a new technology. Rather, they viewed such course requirements as an unwanted, even feared, encumbrance that likely lacked any lasting value (Scepansky, Baker, & Simonds, 2004).

Therefore, as Bransford, Brown, and Cocking (2008) and the results of my aforementioned research indicate, for teaching to be most effective, it is efficacious to ascertain why certain students are hesitant about vital components of their education. Clearly, identification is a crucial step needed to address and subsequently ameliorate learning transfer impediments based on learning orientation.

References:
Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L, & Cocking, R. R. (2008). How people learn: Learning and transfer. National Academy Press. Retrieved September 12, 2008 from: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=6160&page=39

Scepansky, J., Baker, K., & Simonds, R. (2004). The relationship between students’ learning orientation and attitudes regarding use of technology in the classroom. Eastern Psychological Association - poster presentation.