1. Essentials of Learning for Instruction
Gagné and Driscoll
Chapter 1
Introduction

2. The Role of the Instructor
Provides instruction
Set of events designed to initiate, activate, & support learning
Planned
Delivered

3. What is learning? A process
Typically involves interaction with external environment
Inferred by a change or modification in behavior
Persistent over time

4. Knowledge about Learning
Through research that must be both valid and reliable
By observational studies that may lead to
Correlational studies show negative or positive effects
Experimental studies show variable effects

5. Knowledge about Learning (continued)
Experimental data yields inferences about non-observable process of learning.
These inferences give rise to generalized knowledge about learning (called learning principles).
These inferences are verified by predicting additional learning outcomes in a new situation.

6. Example of the Study of Learning .. 6
Map! What map??

7. Research Terminology Reliability Validity Controlling conditions
addressed by repeated observations
leads to replicable data
Validity
measures or evaluates what it says it does
Controlling conditions

8. Research Terminology: Inferences about internal processes
Use many studies to validate premise
For example:
Research Conclusion:
Facts are learned more readily when they can be meaningfully related by the learner, i.e.
Generalized Inference:
A story has framework / schema to “hang facts on”

9. Learning Theory Basics
Research on learning produces data
The data accumulates and allows the formulation of learning principles
As the knowledge grows, ways are suggested to organize disparate facts into a single conceptualization called a theory

10. Learning Theory (continued)
A learning theory is designed to explain several specific facts that have been independently observed by relating these facts to a conceptual model
Models are designed to generate predictions of behavior
when predictions are not verified the theory is either modified or rejected

11. Behaviorist Learning Theory
1913 E.L. Thorndike
Law of Effect (stimulus, response, reinforcement)
Restated by B.F. Skinner in the 50s
Law of reinforcement
all conditions were “external” or observable

12. Modern Learning Theory & Its Model
Analogous to the workings of a computer
Information is transformed
These transformation are called learning processes
Model represents learning as we know it

13. Information Processing Model Lindsay & Norman, 1977
Executive Control
Expectancies
Effectors
Response Generator
Environment
Sensory Register
Short-Term
Memory
Long-Term
Memory
Receptors

14. Purpose of Learning Theories
Planning lessons
Discloses the limits of what is possible
Conducting lessons
Guides you in an appropriate course of action
Assessing lessons
Makes it possible to compare what students know and what they can demonstrate