Throughout the years, I have found my theoretical stance on learning evolving and changing based on circumstances that I find myself in. Currently, as a Program Manager in a small non-profit organization dealing with municipal finance staff, I often find myself tasked to do more with less. As M. David Merril explains, David H. Jonassen’s (1999) Constructivist Learning Environments (CLE) approach focuses on problem solving as a means of learning and/or instruction. The end goal for the learner is to understand the problem at hand, use the necessary knowledge and tools to solve the problem in order to complete the task (Merril, 2002). My organization has been steadily growing for the past few years and I have found that I am constantly navigating through new challenges as we expand. I take on new initiatives that I know very little about, but in a short period of time, am required to become an expert in. I find myself adopting Jonassen’s approach when approaching challenges through problem solving and maneuver my way around a new initiative.

For example, I was tasked with rolling out an e-Learning program, which was all new to me. I would oversee the sourcing a Learning Management System (LMS), design, implementation, and execution of the new course. I have a background in education, and experience in event and workshop planning, so I found myself drawing upon my previous experience to help me figure out how to tackle this beast. I was researching various LMS and educating myself the various platforms out there, then looking at the needs of the organization to make a decision. I would pour over blogs, articles, and various YouTube videos to help provide insight into best practices. If I was unsure or did not understand what was in front of me, I would go onto blogs and see what professionals in the field were doing and how they were doing it. Through reading others’ experience, and opinions, it provided me unconventional modeling and scaffolding supports for me to learn as I progressed through the project. I work on a small team of 3 people with varying backgrounds, so I had to become an expert and advise others of my progress in a short amount of time. Since the the e-Learning program has launched, it is now time for me to embark on developing another course. I will continue to reflect on my key learnings and determine areas that I can improve upon. I integrate my experiences and knowledge from other roles and projects to support my efforts in navigating through developing a new course.

Another way that I apply Jonassen’s (1999) Constructivist Learning Environments (CLE) approach is how I mentor and work with the newer staff on the team. I originally started in the organization in her role, so I understand the responsibilities and work that are required. I have found a balance between instructing and using CLE to empower her to adopt new skills, cultivate creativity, and allow her to develop a level of ownership of the role. I conduct behavioural and cognitive modeling, and provide opportunities to apply and practice tasks that we go over. My manager and I provide feedback to help with the synthesis process to ensure that she feels supported during this time of transition.

As an adult, problem-based leaning and exploration is a huge part of my how I learn. Jonassen’s approach provides the flexibility and opportunity for an individual to struggle and understand the problem. Through that, adult learners are able to apply their prior knowledge to the skill/task at hand. This in turn empowers individuals to achieve learning a new skill or task with the proper support that is required.

Reference

Merrill, M. D. (2002). First principles of instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development, 50(3), 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02505024