Robert Gagne’s Theory of Cognitive Learning Applying Gagne’s Theory to the Classroom Setting EDCI 6304.61 Online Weds 5:30-7pm

Robert Gagne Gagne proposed: Provide Instruction to build final task Ensure each component is mastered Sequence tasks for completion

There are 9 Events of Instruction that are grouped by Phases: Gagne’s Theory There are 9 Events of Instruction that are grouped by Phases: Preparation Acquisition & Performance Transfer of Learning

Gagne Continued These 3 phases implement a total of 9 steps that Gagne proposed to have a successful impact on learners. Each phase introduced analytical concepts that involved short term, long term, and working memory. The end result was successful learning or mastery of specific skills.

Gagne’s 9 Steps Phase 1 - Preparation Phase 2 – Acquisition 4) Importance of Stimulus – places importance of content 5) Encoding – transfers content to long term memory 6) Retrieval & Response – returns content to individual for a response Attending – alerts learner Expectancy – informs learner of objectives Retrieval – provides recall of prerequisite abilities

Continued.. Phase 3 – Transfer of Learning 7) Reinforcement – applies expectancy of objective 8) Recall – learner is able to recall info/skill 9) Application – transfer of content/skill is successful

How to Apply Gagne’s Theory in the Classroom As an educator, there are many ways to implement Gagne’s theory into your curriculum or activities. The following are examples of how to carry out a lesson applying the 3 Phases of Gagne’s Theory.

Lesson Plans! Begin with planning your lesson! Whether you are using CSCOPE (A program many teachers follow as a curriculum), or your own curriculum, plan the class period out by organizing your instruction, materials, and activities. * After a warm up activity, you can “capture” your students attention using a variety of techniques (like posing a question, asking to solve a problem, or presenting facts). * List your objectives on the board and explain the goals of the lesson to the students so that they know your expectations. * Connect your introduction to previous content that was taught (activate prior knowledge). By doing so, you have completed Phase 1 of Gagne’s Theory of Instruction.

The Lesson Cycle Cont. After the introduction, you may use media to teach the lesson to your students. Here is a sample slide from an 8th Grade U.S. History Class covering the Civil War using the Power Point program. As you lecture, use HOTS (Higher order thinking skills) to list the importance of the content, pose questions, and check for understanding. By doing so, you have completed Phase 2.

Concluding the Lesson Cycle.. As the teaching concludes, whether you implement independent activities or group activities for the students to work on, have the learners complete assignments that reinforces what they learned, has them recall content, and allows them to apply the skills they learned. By doing so, you have completed Phase 3.

Sample Student Activities

By: Francisco Hernandez & Jaime Villanueva

References Mai, N., Tse-Kian, N., & Fui-Theng, L. (2011). Developing an Interactive Multimedia-mediated Learning Environment Using Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction in a Malaysian Classroom. International Journal of Instructional Media. 38(4), 379-389. Conditions of Learning. http://tip.psychology.org/gagne.html Gredler, M. A. (2009). Learning and Instruction, Theory into Practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.