Reflection on Unit 2: The Power of Habits

In Unit 2, I explored some learning theories such as classical conditioning, Connectionism and Behaviorism. It was interesting that I was able to make connection between my video analysis and connectionism Theory. It is really a great learning experience that did analysis twice without and with the reading, so I can discover something by my own first, and it was surprised to make connections. Also, I have also learned the importance of habits. According to the Prologue of The power of habit(2012), many different kinds of examples of habits are listed, such as the habits of loading weapon, ordering foods and so on .I have never thought about those can also be a habit. Those examples assert that the habits are not the product of well-considered decision making, but are automatic routine that your brain transferred into.

In my habit plan, I set up a goal which is to get up earlier. However, I am not always a “lazy” and “late” person. A new idea I have is I start thinking why I have totally different habits for similar things. For example, I am an extremely organized person on digital device. I keep all my notes and all file documents extremely organized in my computer.

However, it is so hard to keep my physical space organized such as table, and room. I started thinking I am not naturally to be born as an organized person, but I should thinking change myself to be a healthier and better person by starting changing my habits. According to The power of habit(2012), habits can be ignored, changed, or replaced. I do not have to totally change all living habits, but it is not adequate to ignore my un-organized parts. In my personal life, I will clean my desk room today, and keep my desk clean in the future.

In my academic life, as a teacher, I always print blank notes for students, and require them to keep all notes organized in my way. For example, students have to use loose paper for homework, and they have to use a three-ring binder to keep all pages in order.   They sometimes blame, but I insist because I know the importance a labeled, organized note booklet can help on learning, reviewing and testing. However, in the past, I only think they should have great notes, but I have not thought about the importance of building up the habits.  According to The power of habit(2012),there is a three-step loop happens in my students’ brains : cue, routine, reward.

⭐Cue: a trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and which habit to use

We get blank notes, go to the “organized mode”

⭐Routine : can be physical or mental or emotional.

We have to organize notes using Miss Hu’s way (emotional : or Miss Hu will be angry?)

⭐Reward: helps your brain figure out if this particular loop is worth remembering for the future.

Not make Miss Hu angry, have organized notes that help my study, great feeling of being organized.

In conclusion, it was enjoyable to read and analyze the learning habits, and how I use the recourses in both of personal and academic life; learning and teaching perspectives. Understanding the mechanics of habits can both me and my students to be better learners.

Work Cited

Duhigg, C. (2012). The power of habit: Why we do what we do in life and business. Random House.

Master of Arts in Educational Technology (2021, Summer Semester). Course content from Unit 2: The Power of Habits. Michigan State University, CEP 800 – Learning in Schools Other Settings https://d2l.msu.edu.