Self-directed Learing

This weeks class focused on adults as self-directed learners. We broke into groups and discussed an example of a time that we participated in a self-directed learning activity. At first, I had a hard time trying to think of some type of learning I had done outside of the classroom. It seems like I have been in school for so long that I do no other types of learning. The first thing that came to mind was golf. I had no formal lessons, but learned from my Dad and brothers. They were my mentors. I also watched some golf programs on TV, and practice, practice, practice. I did not do any research like some of the other members of my group did for their learning project. This was the only experience I could think of over the last year that I had tried to learn independently and outside of a classroom.
After the group session was finished, we came back together as one large group, and I realized that I was very much a self directed learner. I bought a house on my own last year. They should really give you a first time home buyers manual to help you out. Man was that a learning experience. I installed landscape lights at my house. Hung new light fixtures. Planted new types of flowers that I had to figure out how to take care of. To top off all of that, I had to learn to work a new surround sound and a blackberry. This class made me realize how just how much adults participate in self directed learning. I think technology has played a huge role in expanding the types of learning we can do without a formal setting.

Story Circle

Walking into class this past week was an experience. This is the first time I have been in a class in college where the desks are pushed to the side, chairs are set in a circle, the overhead lights are off, and lamps are being used. This is how the story circle went on Thursday night. Once I got over that shock, I had to read my educational biography to people I didn't know. For someone who likes to talk, it seemed exceptionally hard to read that private information about myself.
The most interesting part for me, was the discussion on the brain. I felt the class as a whole had some good comments and good theories. It also made me wonder if I would ever be a good golf player. I only started last year, and hardly get to practice. So, yeah I pretty much stink. If I had started before the age of thirteen, I wonder if mastering the skills would have been any easier. I know the saying goes that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but I think we are capable of learning a great deal even as we age.

Kolb Learning Style Inventory

I think this was the most difficult class for me so far. I have a hard time talking about myself and trying to figure out why I do things the way I do. I have never really thought about my learning style before, so I really enjoyed this activity. It was determined that I was a Converger. I don't think I would have ever considered myself to be a converging learner, but that description seems to fit me pretty well.
I need to know why I am doing something in order for it to make sense. Some people get really frustrated at me because I will pick and pick at this until I know why. I don't like to consider different view points. I want the facts. I learn best by hands on, not lecture.
After our class discussion, I do not think that learning for me goes in a continual circle from concrete experience to reflective observation, to abstract conceptualization and finally to active experimentation. I tend to start in between reflective observation and abstract conceptualization. Depending on what I am trying to learn, I may need to go back to concrete experience to reflect, or may have a drive to move straight towards active experimentation.
My background in psychology has drilled into my head that our personality is pretty much set and there is not a lot we can do to change it. I know we discussed this in class in regards to our learning styles, and I think these could change over time. I don't think a person would do a total change from one extreme to the other, but I think the older I get and the farther I advance in education, the more I like to sit back and reflect or put the pieces together before I just jump in.