Adult Learning Theories

April 4, 2016

Following A Discovery Learning Approach To Instructional Design

We humans are curious creatures. We are always striving to learn more about ourselves and the world around us, and seize every opportunity to soak up new knowledge. Discovery Learning capitalizes on this fact by encouraging learners to explore the subject matter. In this article, I'll share the ideologies and objectives of the Discovery Learning approach, as well as tips that can help you apply it in Instructional Design.

by Christopher Pappas

March 21, 2016

Cognitive Limitations Of Adult Learners In eLearning: 6 Factors To Consider

The human mind can only absorb so much before it throws in the proverbial towel. But how much is too much? In this article, I'll delve into the 6 factors that determine the cognitive limitations of adult learners, so that you can increase knowledge retention and prevent cognitive overwhelm.

by Christopher Pappas

March 18, 2016

Designing eLearning For Adult Learners: 5 Psychology Principles To Apply

Learner behavior, perspectives, and mental states all play a pivotal role in eLearning. This is especially true for adult learners, who have habits, experiences, and backgrounds that greatly differ from other generations. In this article, I’ll highlight 5 psychological principles that you should keep in mind when creating an eLearning experience for adult learners.

by Christopher Pappas

February 15, 2016

The Theory Of Mind, Empathy, And Mindblindness In eLearning

Being aware of differing perspectives and how our emotional states and beliefs shape us is an essential social skill. It also allows us to communicate more effectively and collaborate with others in our personal and professional lives. In this article, I'll share 5 tips on how the Theory of Mind, Empathy, and Minblindness can transform your eLearning experiences.

by Christopher Pappas

February 3, 2016

The Attribution Theory In eLearning: Types, Dimensions And Stages

The Attribution Theory relies heavily on cause and effect, motivation, and human behavior. In this article, I'll explore how these 3 elements combine to create a potent eLearning mix by highlighting the types, dimensions, and key stages that the Attribution Theory can applied in eLearning.

by Christopher Pappas

January 23, 2016

Transfection (Trans- +[In]Fection) As Teaching: What Molecular Biology Has In Common With eLearning

What is the relationship between eLearning and transfection? Unlike social media, eLearning is more controlled, which prevents it from “going viral”; however, it can be transfected to a learner. Focus on Instructional Design marks an edu-tectonic shift to course content, delivery, and design in an effort to make the most lasting effect on learners. Ideal Instructional Design combines content, context, and personalized material in educational learning payloads.

by Carrie Bailey

January 4, 2016

5 Tips For Using Connectivism In eLearning

Siemens’ Connectivism Learning Theory suggests that online peer networks, such as social media sites and online forums, play a vital role in eLearning experiences. They allow learners to learn from social interaction and collaboration, and by benefiting from the personal experience and diverse opinions of their peers. In this article, I’ll offer 5 tips on how to use connectivism in your next eLearning course.

by Christopher Pappas

November 24, 2015

9 Steps To Apply The Dick And Carey Model In eLearning

Dick and Carey first introduced their Systems Approach Model back in 1978, when they published The Systematic Design of Instruction. Since then, it has been one of the most popular Instructional Design models, thanks to the fact that it views learning as a comprehensive system, rather than a variety of individual components. In this article, I’ll explore the basics of the Dick and Carey Model, as well as how you can use it in your eLearning experiences.

by Christopher Pappas

November 18, 2015

How To Apply Gagné's 9 Events Of Instruction In eLearning

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a step-by-step guide that could help you provide a complete and comprehensive online experience for every member of your audience? In this article, I’ll show you how to apply the 9 Events of Instruction introduced by Gagné, in order to create effective and comprehensive eLearning experiences.

by Christopher Pappas

May 16, 2015

Instructional Design Models and Theories: The Component Display Theory

The Component Display Theory was introduced in 1983 by M. David Merrill to work alongside Reigeluth's Theory, with the first detailing the “micro elements” of an effective instructional design, though Reigeluth's theory the “macro elements”. The Component Display Theory soon gained popularity among instructional designers and in 1994 Merrill presented a new version of it, known as the Component Design Theory. In this article, I’ll go through its basic principles and how they can be applied to instructional design for eLearning.

by Christopher Pappas

January 7, 2015

Learning Style Diagnostics: The Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Styles Scale

The Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Styles Scale (GRSLSS) was developed to measure learning preferences of adults, undergraduate and above; it measures cognitive and affective behaviours of students instead of perceptual.

by Mark Rollins

December 23, 2014

A Critical Analysis Of Learning Styles and Pedagogy In Post-16 Learning

This paper explores a joint analytical project about thousands of learning styles’ models, titled: A Critical Analysis of Learning Styles and Pedagogy in post-16 learning. A systematic and critical review published in 2004 by Coffield F., Moseley D., Hall E., & Ecclestone K.

by Alex Samuel Vélez