Learning Theory - Learning and Your Child

Most parents seek child development knowledge. Seeking an overview of learning theory is equally important for us to understand how kids learn.

In summary,the basic three school of thoughts on learning theory states
- The environment shapes behavior
- There needs to be contiguity and reinforcement
- Brain-based learning is beyond behavior
- Short and long term memory are important
- Child needs to be actively involved, free to explore and interact with others
- Respect learner as an individual and sustain motivation depending on one's confidence

I am passionate about these beliefs. To me, a loving home is the best environment to shape the behavior, parents are the best facilitator to allow child to be actively involved and games is one of the best tool for free exploration.

Until recently, to address ICT based instructional design, game-based learning was introduced. Though it provides an effective learning environment for students but in isolation, it may hinder the development of other skills such as group communication and critical thinking. As such, I do not have a strong preference for ICT game over the traditional kids' activities.

In addition, understand the different learning styles of your kids is important to craft the right learning strategy.

Get to understand the fundamental of:
- Visual learning
- Auditory learning
- Tactile or kinesthetic learning

I've also made several interesting discovery from educational psychology. According to Jean Piaget's theory of development, children are not capable of abstract logical thought until they are about 11 years. Thus, it is best to use concrete objects and examples when teaching young children.

With Piaget's theory in mind, I bought an abacus for my daughter when she starts nursery. Both my daughter and son use it to learn math. The abacus comes in ready handy when they begin to learn addition and subtraction in preschool. I noted my son is able to do addition and subtraction more than the value 10 easily with the help of concrete objects. I then begin to incorporate mathematics manipulatives when teaching math to my kids.

Get to know your child learning preferences and you will be a happy parent as you enjoy the fun time with them.

If you are a preschool caregiver, here are childcare resources designed to assist early childhood caregivers in your work with children.

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