1. Generative Learning Theory October 29, 2002 ISD 651 Jane Wimberg Darryl Hollins

2. What is GLT?  An environment based theory suggesting that, instead of solving a pre-defined problem, learners must be subjected to generating their own learning by: –Generating their own problems –And then solving them…

3. GLT Main Points  Theoretical –Closely related to constructivism –Strategies are similar to cooperative learning –Explore perspectives –Build upon prior knowledge –Actively generate ideas –4 Elements: Recall, Integration, Organization, Elaboration  Practical –Brainstorm –Categorize –KWL chart –Team teaching –Construct mental models/concept maps –Generate sub- problems, sub-goals, and strategies for achieving a larger task

4. Key Player in GLT Merlin C. Wittrock http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/pages/wittrock.html Wittrock@ucla.edu The reader works not only to make a connection between the content being read and his or her prior knowledge. The reader must also reorganize that prior knowledge by taking into account the information gained from reading. “The generative model is a model of teaching of comprehension and the learning of the types of relations that learners must construct between stored knowledge, memories of experience, and new information for comprehension to occur, Wittrock, 1991.”

5. Instructional Design Implications  Increases, increases, increases… –active engagement in learning –comprehension for both high and low ability students –achievement without additional time, equipment or materials –voluntary sustained attention –students’ metacognitive skills  As long as inform the learners that learning… –is a generative process –begins with believing in themselves  And identify… –learners’ models, preconceptions, learning strategies and styles, attitudes, beliefs that are relevant –learners’ self control strategies (metacognitive)

6. GLT Incorporated into the Dick and Carey Model Which steps? How? Designers could incorporate GLT when developing their instructional strategies and instructional materials. This could accomplished with KWL charts, graphic organizers, journals and anecdotes.

7. Five Interesting GLT Websites  http://watservl.uwaterloo.ca/~acpalmer/grab owski.html http://watservl.uwaterloo.ca/~acpalmer/grab owski.html  http://www.readingcenter.buffalo.edu/center /research/gencom.html http://www.readingcenter.buffalo.edu/center /research/gencom.html  http://www.itis.gov.se/publikationer/eng/hal mstad.pdf http://www.itis.gov.se/publikationer/eng/hal mstad.pdf

8. Five Interesting Books (from the USA Library) Key to effective learning. Increasing student learning through multimedia projects. Classroom strategies for learning. Designing Computer-Based Learning Materials. Digital Game-Based Learning

9. Something old, something new…  Something Old- Merlin C. Wittrock  Something New- learning can happen through the direction of a learners own cognitive processes  Hmmmm….sounds like Constructivism