While attempting to identify which learning theory aligns with my beliefs about learning, I am finding a real internal struggle between the past and the future.
Looking back at my undergraduate experience, I see powerful behavioral influences in most of my studies. I still have a few textbooks, such as:
- Learning & Behavior, 5th Edition, Paul Chance (2003)
- Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures, Raymond G. Miltenberger (2004)
- Sniffy: The Virtual Rat, Lite Version 2.0, Alloway, et al., (2005)
I also remember an exciting class called Brain and Behavior which focused on more biology/neurology of the brain and subsequent behavior. Needless to say, I should emphatically declare I’m a behaviorist. Yet, I’m not.
While studying both Psychology and Sociology, there are very few classes that I can remember specific details about.
- Dr. Tulsi Sural’s classes with transpersonal foundations. Semester after semester of exploring transpersonal psychology by actively experiencing the different techniques. Each class began with a different type of meditation or practice that aligned with the approach. We then discussed our experiences and journaled about their impact of them.
- Dr. Dula Espinosa’s advanced sociology special topics. In her classes, we reviewed Supreme Court rulings on socially impact populations. We wrote papers and reflections on the justices’ rulings, reasonings, and interpretations of written vs. executed law.
Looking back on these experiences, they were both transformative because instead of a “sage on the stage” learning approach, these classes all involved me getting into the experience, the content, reflecting upon it, and then outlining what I learned, believed, or thought about it.
Next up, What am I?
The Advisor That Cares 
3 thoughts on “What was I?”