Dimensions of Learning Framework

The Dimensions of Learning Framework focuses on the five types of thinking. These different types of thinking include:

1. Attitudes and perceptions
2. Acquire and integrate knowledge
3. Extend and refine knowledge
4. Use knowledge meaningfully
5. Productive habits of mind

These five thinking types are essential for a successful learner (McRel, 2010).

Attitudes and Perceptions

This is to ensure students want to learn. By giving students a positive thought about learning, students achieve 'I want to' attitude opposed to a 'I have to' attitude (Sunshine Coast Grammer School, 2010). With the use of technology and being able to create blogs and forums, students will be able to achieve a positive attitude toward their learning, as they are discussing topics that feel most important to them.

Acquire and Integrate Knowledge

With this dimension, guiding students through steps of knowledge can only expand on what they already know 9Sunshine Coast Grammer School, 2010). Learning new information can sometimes be confusing for some students. If guiding students through step by step instructions and relating the new skill/knowledge to what they already know, students then can shape the new skill and make it more efficient to them as the learners (McRel, 2010).

Extend and Refine Knowledge

This dimension is more along the lines of analysing information. Developing that in-depth understanding of the certain skill/knowledge (McRel, 2010). By doing this students can make new connections or links, clarify misconceptions and arrive at conclusions by applying reasoning processes and analysis perspectivies (Sunshine Coast Grammer School, 2010).

Using Knowledge Meaningfully

Well dimension speaks for itself. This teaches students to use the knowledge they just gained in a meaningful way. This can be done through decision making, problem solving, invention, investigation, experimental inquiry and through systems analysis (McRel, 2010) (Sunshine Coast Grammer School, 2010).

Productive Habits of Mind

The most effective learners need to be able to develop three main mental areas. These areas are:

Critical Thinking

• Be accurate and seek accuracy
• Be clear and seek clarity
• Maintain an open mind
• Restrain impulsivity
• Take a position when the situation warrents it
• Respond appropriately to other's feelings and level of knowledge

Creative Thinking

• Persevere
• Push the limits of your knowledge and abilities
• Generate trust, and maintain your own standards of evaluation
• Generate new ways of viewing a situation that are outside the boundaries of standard conventions.

Self-Regulated Thinking

• Monitor your own thinking
• Plan appropriately
• Identify and use necessary resources
• Respond appropriately to feedback
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your actions

(Marzano & Pickering, 1997)

While the Dimensions of Learning represent individual parts of the overall learning process, they complement each other to ensure an enhanced quality of teaching and learning (Sunshine Coast Grammer School, 2010). With this taken into consideration it helps us as teachers to:

• Mainatin a focus on learning. If teachers can gain the focus on learning, then effective ways of teaching can occur in the classroom. For example the introduction of technology can provide this focus for not only teachers but for students who are engaged with technology and then therefore interested in what is being taught.
• Study the Learning Process. Having better knowledge about the learning process can only develop the teachers mental thinking as to what needs to be considered for certain needs for certain students. Having this knowledge can only develop an in-depth understanding on what the students want to learn.
• plan curriculum, instruction and assessment scaffolded by the five dimensions. If every teacher identifies and follows through with this framework then teachers can expect their students to be successful learners.

Reference

Marzano. R., & Pickering. D. (1997). Dimensions of learning: teachers manual. 2 ed. ASCD. Alexandria. VA.

McReal. (2010). What is dimensions of learning and how is it used. Retrieved November 12, 2010. from http://www.mcrel.org/dimensions/whathow.asp

Sunshine Coast Grammer School. (2010). Dimensions of learning.Retrieved November 12, 2010. from http://www.scgs.qld.edu.au/our_schools/academic_learning/dol/index.php