Learning Summary

People learn for various reasons and can be motivated by many stimuli.  Just take a look at the various research and theories that exist out there to try to explain learning:  behaviorism, cognitivism, connectionism, constructivism, and social learning to name a few.  I believe Ertmer and Newby’s (1993) statement that people learn by many different styles and theories is applicable to everyone.  There are many variables that come into play with learning:  is it a new topic, what is the previous knowledge of a subject, which intelligence subset does it connect with, why is the individual interested, how does the individual plan to apply the information, and the list of variables goes on.  The one striking item I found in my study of learning theories is how closely everything is related and most of the theories stem from a single social science, cognitive psychology (Ormrod, 2009).  While no single learning theory is sufficient to describe the population, or even an individual, the science as a whole is able to describe a majority of individuals learning experience within a moment of time.

If you think of learning styles, theories, motivations, and technologies as a house with a foundation, two support pillars, and a roof, motivation is the foundation, the pillar to the left is learning theory, the pillar to the right learning style, and the roof is technology use.  Without motivation, be it extrinsic or intrinsic, there will not be knowledge acquisition.  Motivation is the base upon which learning is built on.  The pillars providing strength are theory and style. The roof, technology, is an element that can enhance and better the learning experience but is most effectively applied once learning theories and styles are understood.

Throughout my studies, I’ve learned more information about my personal learning styles.  I’ve learned that I am more of a constructivist who likes to rely on connections to obtain more knowledge and information.  I also tend to elaborate and look for personal connections within new learnings.

As an instructional designer, it is important to know your preference for learning as well as understand the major learning theories and styles.  It is easy to get caught up in designing materials and courses that best suit your own style.  By knowing more about learning, it can help you view the material through another lens and connect with more students who may prefer other learning styles.  The one most important item I learned throughout my studies is the power of ARCS.  Instructional designers should be able to look at their curriculum and assess the material and teaching methods for:  Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction (Keller, 1999).

References

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50–71.

Keller, J. M. (1999). Using the ARCS motivational process in computer-based instruction and distance education. New Directions for Teaching and Learning (78).

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.