Langer's Article

Langer's Article

Introduction

Langer (2002), in his article Reflecting on practice: Using learning journals in higher and continuing education examined difference between traditional and non-traditional students. The study was placed an emphasis on how the technical process of what? was viewed by adult students. The study found learning journals to be an effective method to increase reflective learning for adult students. The study compared the development and comprehension process that was undertaken by an adult student who wrote in learning journals, as well as the adoption of computer classes and technical setting.

The study followed a qualitative research approach with primary focus on identifying various aspects of adult learning and the use of learning journals. This research study was conducted with the participation of approximately one hundred students from the Columbia University. Data was collected over the span of three semesters. Interviews wrere also conducted as part of the research. Findings of the research indicated that non- traditional students, as compared to traditional students, were better able to use and adapt the offered tools of learning.

Additionally, statistics that comes from the collected data and that has been reviewed through the conducted interviews indicate that critical thinking skills were better developed among the non-traditional students. This study concluded that traditional students were less skeptical than the non-traditional students. Here skeptically means that the traditional students were doubtful as compared to the non-traditional students. It does not mean that learning journals will be used by non-traditional students only during preparation of their assignments. Different studies have been conducted to find how it affected student's thinking or perception and how it could have helped them in the process of their development.

Literature Review

Various sets of information and references about students and possible differences among them were included in the literature review written by Langer (2002). This review was extensive and included references from numerous researchers and authors. It presented a comparative study that highlighted several differences between non-traditional and traditional students. The review of prior literature also presented various aspects of adult learning process.

Langer (2002) stated that non-traditional students were more skeptical of computer and technological advances that also included learning journals whereas, traditional students were more inclined towards technical and computer literacy. Learning journals provided an opportunity for non-traditional students to become more knowledgeable of computers, similar to traditional students.

The article focused on the impact of the learning journal and the various students who attended special classes involving programmer design and computer architecture (Langer, 2002). Langer organized the literature review in an understandable manner and style by including information that was easy to understand. In this review, Langer (2002) highlighted the gap of improper explaination in his research section of reviewing literature.

Data Collection and Analysis

Langer (2002) adopted the qualitative approach to study topic. The sample of respondents was comprised of 100 students and their views and evaluation of learning journals and its significance in their academic learning. These learning journals were collected during three years and the participants selected for the study were students of the ...