e-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates

Continuous Learning & Recursive Feedback: the power of iteration

Continuous Learning and Recursive Feedback are deeply intertwined in modern educational and organizational contexts, where the iterative nature of learning and feedback cycles plays a critical role in enhancing knowledge and skill acquisition.

In this research I try to connect the dots and understand the synergies

Let’s start with the definitions:

1. Continuous learning refers to the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge, it is fed by proactivity and emphasizes the idea that learning does not end with formal education but is a lifelong process. In professional environments, it encourages individuals and organizations to adapt to new challenges, improve competencies, and stay updated with evolving industry standards.

2. Recursive feedback is a cyclical process where the output of one iteration is fed back into the system as input for the next iteration. In educational contexts, this often refers to providing feedback that informs and improves subsequent efforts, creating a loop where learning is constantly refined and improved. It requires the “learning system” proactivity, in which every actor should be part of the game.

Analyzing the Points of Contact between Continuous Learning and Recursive Feedback here’s the factors in common:

  • Iterative Improvement: both concepts emphasize the importance of iterative processes. In continuous learning, individuals repeatedly refine their understanding and skills. Recursive feedback contributes to this by offering insights after each iteration, allowing learners to improve continuously.
  • Adaptive Learning: recursive feedback supports adaptive learning methods, where learners adjust their strategies based on feedback. This adaptability is a cornerstone of continuous learning, as it requires constant adjustment and adaptation to new information or feedback.
  • Circular Motivation: the immediate and ongoing nature of recursive feedback can motivate continuous learners by providing clear evidence of progress or highlighting areas needing improvement. This reinforcement keeps learners engaged and committed to their learning journey.
  • Knowledge Boosters: recursive feedback strengthens the retention of knowledge. By continuously revisiting and revising concepts based on feedback, learners reinforce their understanding, which is essential for long-term learning and mastery, key goals of continuous learning.
  • Personalized Learning Experience: continuous learning often involves tailoring learning paths to individual needs. Recursive feedback facilitates this personalization by providing specific insights that guide the learner in focusing on areas that require more attention, thereby creating a more efficient and effective learning process. Together they can completely refresh the learning experience.
  • Sustained Engagement: continuous learning requires sustained engagement over time, which can be challenging. Recursive feedback helps maintain this engagement by breaking down the learning process into manageable cycles, where learners see consistent progress and remain motivated.

In summary, continuous learning and recursive feedback are mutually reinforcing and create the conditions for a complete different learning experience.

Continuous learning benefits from recursive feedback through iterative improvement, adaptability, and personalized learning. Conversely, recursive feedback thrives in a continuous learning environment where the learner is open to ongoing reflection and adjustment.

Together, they create a dynamic process of perpetual growth and improvement.

References:

The concepts discussed are based on general theories of learning and feedback in educational psychology and organizational development and linked through reasoning.

Suggested Books:

1. Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel.

- This book delves into the science behind effective learning strategies, including the role of feedback in reinforcing knowledge.

Link:www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJJCfvBqlHk

2. The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization by Peter M. Senge.

- Senge's work explores systems thinking and learning organizations, where continuous learning and feedback loops are central to the organizational culture.

Link:http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fifth_Discipline