Unit II Blog: Instructional Design Theories

The learning theories are providing us with a positive impact in teaching process. Many elements available to understand theories of learning, but we should define learning before intrusion to the theories and it is roles in teaching methods; accordingly to Shull “Learning is an enduring change in behavior, or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or other forms of experience” ( Peggy and Newby 2013).

The educational psychology researchers have examined learning from various viewpoints and their findings in explaining the learning process have led to different theories, which can be used as a guide for heading the teaching--learning processes, some thoughts, and common myths in learning.[3] Learning theories have great usability and not just in education, but also in psychology counseling, which provide the needed infrastructure. It is recommended to use learning theories, single or separated or a combination in the health professions including the nursing. (Aliakbari, et al. 2015)

Although both learner and environmental factors are considered important by behaviorists, environmental conditions receive the greatest emphasis. Behaviorists assess the learners to determine at what point to begin instruction as well as to determine which reinforcers are most effective for a particular student. Th e most critical factor, however, is the arrangement of stimuli and consequences within the environment ( Peggy and Newby 2013).

Learning theories are not complete. Each emphasize on specific type of learning, so it is best for teachers to be familiar with all of them. Behaviorism in general is suitable for teaching new skills, cognitivism is  appropriate for teaching critical thinking, clinical thinking, self - centered learning and productive life, and  finally constructivism is proper for teaching problem solving skills, clinical decision making and  communication skills. (Haghani, & Masoomi, 2011)

Reference:

Peggy A. Ertmer, and Newby J. Timothy.(2013), "Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features From an Instructional Design Perspective." Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43-71.

Aliakbari, Fatemeh, Neda Parvin, Mohammad Heidari, and Fariba Haghani. (2015) "Learning Theories Application in Nursing Education." Journal of Education and Health Promotion. Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd.

Haghani, F., & Masoomi, R. (2011). Overview of learning theories and its applications in medical education. Iranian Journal Of Medical Education, 10(5), 1-10.