Post blog entry #10 in reaction to "Future Directions for the Science of Learning"

I decided to wrap up my thoughts on what I have learned in this book and in class, much like the final chapter of Bransford's book. I think the process of teaching and learning in a successful way parallels another model that I learned in my undergrad business classes, the software development cycle. The idea of this being a cycle is something important to grasp. Just when you think you have solved current issues or problems, it is basically time to go back to the drawing board in order to repeat the process. These are the five pieces to the software development cycle with and educational spin:

Define - It is important to define and assess your needs. From a teaching and learning perspective, this is where learning goals are defined and established. Teachers enter the classroom with an objective and goal to transfer knowledge to learners.

Design - Requirements and standards defined by teachers, school, community and government drive the design process. The learning environment is created with the appropriate tools and concepts needed to meet the goals. This phase compiles the tools and practices into a logical fashion that facilitates effective and efficient learning.

Deploy - Teachers and learners engage in the learning process and follow the plan designed in the previous phase.

Evaluate - This is the research portion of the process that Bransford defines in the last chapter. The research and evaluation that is done after the deployment of new teaching concepts and ideas is important on many levels. It identifies successful factors as well as flaws. Research also reaffirms the theories used to implement the tools and concepts implemented in the classroom. All of the information gathered from this stage is often the financial basis for moving forward and implementing ideas on larger scales.

Refine - Although this was not explicitly addressed in How People Learn, refining the entire process involves the ongoing analysis that brings us back to the defining stage of the process. There are multiple layers of knowledge and learning throughout this whole cycle and all aspects have the potential to be improved. Some changes can be minor tweaks or changes, and others can be more involve like an emerging technology that was previously unavailable. The research and evaluation done in the previous stage of the cycle helps to identify strengths and weaknesses of the current environment. The loose ends can be tied up to pull the entire process together, then back to the drawing board to tackle the bigger questions and issues.

Unlike software development, the process of teaching and learning impacts student learning and so this process should be handled with the strictest care. Teachers often have only one chance to make a lasting impression on learners.