Instructional designers play a unique role in lesson design, a systematic planning process for both e-learning and classroom learning. Richey et al. (2005) define instructional design as “the systematic and reflective process of translating principles of learning and instruction into plans for instructional materials, activities, information sources, and assessments.” For instructional designers, learning theories provide a set of propositions for predicting events that lead to effective lesson design. This article will analyze three essential theories that are commonly used.
This article discusses 3 essential learning theories for instructional design, choosing the most appropriate theory is a challenge for designers.
Learning theory is a set of principles and concepts that describe and explain how humans and animals acquire, process, store, and apply new knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. It attempts to answer the question "How do we learn?" and provides a theoretical foundation for designing effective learning methods and environments.
There are many different learning theories, each focusing on a different aspect of the learning process. To make the most of the importance of instructional design, designers should apply some essential learning theories to design instructional materials.
In addition to understanding learner characteristics, instructional designers should also comprehend some theories. Here are three learning theories should be considered in order to create instructional content that is relevant to the learning experience.
Bahavioral theory, a psychological theory that originated with BF Skinner in the early 20th century, holds that behavior is learned from the environment. In the context of instructional design, this theory is based on the understanding that learners will develop knowledge based on observing their environment. For example, observing a student being rewarded for good performance may motivate the observer to repeat that behavior. Rewards are used to guide learners to achieve learning outcomes.
According to Keraminda (2015), the purpose of a behavior-oriented instructional design strategy for E-learning is to provide learners with appropriate stimuli to demonstrate their ability to demonstrate desired behaviors, demonstrating that learning has occurred. This approach focuses on guiding learners to achieve pre-established learning outcomes, and learning is observed as learners achieve these outcomes. This is one of the essential learning theories for instructional design that widely used.
Positive reinforcement is not the only method used in behaviorism. Negative reinforcement, such as observing a student giving an incorrect answer, also provides information to the observer. Whether positive or negative reinforcement, the instructor is responsible for the stimulus-response received from the learner. Understanding behaviorism is an important part of understanding the essential learning theories for instructional design.
Lev Vygotsky is the originator of social constructivism, which holds that learners learn from social interaction rather than from individual learning. For example, students working in groups on a project illustrates this theory, as each learner contributes and learns from the other.
The instructor acts as a mediator between the groups. Compared to behaviorism, social constructivism relies on both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, which is realized through interactions between peers. Berkeley Graduate Division (2019) emphasizes that since knowledge is actively constructed by learners, learning depends significantly on learners’ intrinsic motivation.
For instructional designers, focusing on social interaction is key. Lessons should challenge learners, but not be too difficult. Designers also need to consider curiosity, creating lessons that stimulate the desire to explore further (Williams, 2009). Technology, such as computers, mobile devices, and games, can be used to motivate. Social constructionism is one of the essential learning theories for instructional design that educators should learn.
The last theory mentioned in the list of essential learning theories for instructional design is Cognitive Load Theory. Introduced by John Sweller in 1988, CLT studies how the mind processes information, focusing on three stages of memory: working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Information is processed by working memory, then transferred to short-term memory, and finally, through schemata, transferred to long-term memory.
Schemas are ways of linking information together, such as linking learning steps to images. Instructional designers need to focus on design layout, considering intrinsic, extrinsic, and relational load. Intrinsic load depends on the material and the learner’s ability to understand it (Waude, 2017).
Irrelevant load refers to external factors that influence learning outcomes, such as irrelevant images or videos. Relevant load is the use of schemata. Cognitive overload can occur if the design is too complex.
Avina Authoring Tool provides features that support the application of essential learning theories for instructional design, enhancing the learning experience. Specifically as follows:
- Behavioral Theory: Avina allows for the integration of interactive elements such as quizzes, practice exercises, and a scoring system, providing immediate feedback to learners. This creates a mechanism for reinforcing behavior, encouraging learners to repeat correct actions and correct incorrect actions.
- Social Constructionism: Avina supports collaborative features such as discussion forums, group activities, and document sharing, facilitating learners to interact and learn from each other. These activities promote participation and knowledge construction through social interaction.
- Cognitive Load Theory: Avina provides the ability to design intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces, allowing designers to control the cognitive load of learners. The use of images, videos, and multimedia elements is optimized to support learning without overloading working memory. The ability to create concise, concept-focused learning modules makes it easy for learners to process and remember information.
There are many essential learning theories for instructional design. However, the three theories presented in this article are commonly applied. Choosing the most appropriate theory depends on the specific context and learning objectives. Regardless of which theory is used, the ultimate goal is to ensure effective learning. Applying tools such as Avina Authoring Tool helps to realize these theories into the practice of E-learning lesson designs, optimizing the learning experience. Learn more here.
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