In general, learning theories help explain the different ways people learn. Whether you’re a fan of psychology or not, learning theories are an intricate part of eLearning. The job of any eLearning professional is to help others learn. So, being familiar with learning theories sounds like a no brainer.
There’s not just one learning theory that works for everyone, so knowing a few are best. eLearning pros such as instructional designers can then combine different learning theories to meet the specific needs of their learners. This can help motivate them, maximize learning potential, and improve confidence.
Today, we’re going to look at a brief overview of 3 common learning theories that are used in the world of eLearning. Hopefully, you can apply some of these to your next project.
Behaviorist Learning Theory
The behaviorist learning theory is probably one of the most well-known and oldest learning theories in the eLearning industry. This theory suggests that learning takes place through observable events. To put bluntly, a person learns based on the consequences of his or her behaviors, or actions.
Many instructional designers don’t love using strategies of behaviorism in their courses due to its limited scope. However, almost everyone still uses behaviorism to some extent. Any objective content such as facts, or objective questions that have only one answer, use the behaviorist learning theory. Drag and drop questions or performing drills are simple examples of incorporating behaviorism into your project.
Cognitive Learning Theory
The cognitive learning theory, or cognitivism, has a lot of working pieces in itself. Information processing theory, schema theory, and cognitive load are all part of cognitivism. All of that is for another time. For now, to keep things simple, I’ll only go over the general points.
Cognitivism focuses more internally on the mind of the individual versus their actions. According to this theory, the brain is like a computer that stores a database of experiences (memories) and information within a network of patterns. The network in your brain uses the patterns to reorganize your thoughts and memories so they can be reactivated when needed. In short, cognitive learning theory focuses on memory.
So, if you had to recall a formula for a math problem. According to cognitive learning theory, you can pull that formula from your long-term memory because it captured your brain’s attention and considered it was important to be used in the future.
Constructivist Learning Theory
The constructivist learning theory also combines several other learning theories such as the information processing theory and Gagne’s theory of instruction. Feel free to take a closer look at these, but again, I’m here just to give you a summary.
Constructivism states that learners interpret and store information in their brains based on personal experiences. Everything that they encounter as something new is filtered through their past experiences. How they think in perspective to analyzing, synthesizing, and rationalizing information is typically connected with some personal meaning.
This theory is used in eLearning to help the learner connect with content on a personal and emotional level. Simulations or story-telling are great tools that can help make those connections with the learners and hopefully store the content into their long-term memory.
No matter what learning theories you use, think of them as tools to help in the development of eLearning strategies. You’ll need all the tools you can get if you plan on tackling a job in the field of education.