week eight, Dales cone of learning

Discuss how valuable Dale's Cone of Learning might be for selecting instructional strategies;

What are some things you can do to move to a higher level of learner engagement according to Dale's Cone of Learning?

I think that Dales cone of learning is an excellent tool for developing learning strategies. It reminds us that using multiple strategies helps learners to achieve a higher level of understanding and that active learning (such as discussions and role playing) is more effective than passive learning (such as reading and listening to lectures). I feel that using a variety of strategies will help to appeal to a more learners and that there is a higher level of learning and engagement with the use of multiple methods.

I do think that Dales cone is a guideline and of course each learner will respond differently to different delivery systems. And, of course the message (information communicated) and the form (real things, imitations, illusions or symbols) are key important factors to consider when choosing. These considerations can be determined through examination of the needs analysis and the learner profile in a course as well as through thoughtful reflection of the material to be taught.

Matching materials to objectives is an important factor. A mismatched choice would be confusing, unfair and ineffective. As an example, if the objective is to identify the muscles of the face and I ask the learner to create a presentation on the anatomy of the face I have asked them to perform at the highest level of the cognitive domain instead of at the lower levels as the outcome indicated. Another example; if the objective is to perform a facial massage and I ask the learner to complete a facial massage using a video to follow along then I am asking her to perform at a lower level than the objective demands.

I enjoyed the quote "Instructional designers need to be more sophisticated about their clients". (Gels, 1995). I feel that the loss of credibility is a huge issue from the ground up. Courses need to be well planned and educators need to be organized, on top of the material and invested. We need to understand our clients (students) and their needs, develop thoughtful courses and materials based in theory and deliver it carefully and with expertise to the best of our abilities. Loss of credibility leads to loss of student engagement and less successful learning that will not be retained as valuable information if it does not make sense to learners. The upper levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs (1943) including esteem and then self actualization cannot be attained without first having respect and then acceptance of facts within the learning environment. Respect will be gained through materials that are well developed and delivery that is considerate the adult learner. Maslow's theory related to human motivation. I feel that it is almost impossible to be motivated in an environment where the pieces don't fit. Dales cone helps us to fit the pieces together.

Dales Cone is still relevant 45 years after he developed it. The resource is valuable.
C.