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Week 6
Applying Learning Theory & ID Models

Learning Theory

1. Which learning theory (or theories) did you find most influential in shaping the design and objectives of your minicourse, and how did it guide your decisions regarding content, activities, and assessments?

 

The design of my minicourse reflects a blend of influences, primarily from:

  • Behaviorism: The emphasis on clear outcomes for resume bullet points (Action Verb + Task = Results formula) aligns with behaviorist goals of shaping desired learner behaviors. The focus on tangible skills and positive reinforcement is distinctly behaviorist.

  • Cognitivism: The course's logical, building-block structure (Basics > ATS > AI) demonstrates an awareness of cognitive load theory. By sequencing information mindfully, I can avoid overwhelming learners.

  • Andragogy: The course respects the principles of andragogy. It focuses on practical application to real-world job searches and offers immediate relevance to the learner's context. Additionally, the self-paced format supports self-directed learning.

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2. Reflecting on the development of your minicourse, how did integrating principles from a specific learning theory enhance the learning experience for your target audience? Can you provide examples of how this theory influenced the instructional strategies or technologies you chose to use?

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Behaviorism was the most influential theory in shaping my course design. 

  • Focus on Actionable Outcomes: The behaviorist emphasis on measurable outcomes keeps the course goal-oriented. Learners know exactly what skills they need to master for resume success.

  • Emphasis on Practice: The case study provides opportunities to apply learning through problem-solving, reinforcing new knowledge, a typical behaviorist approach.

  • Immediate Feedback: Quizzes or self-checks with answer explanations solidify the behaviorist feedback loop to ensure skill mastery.

How Behaviorism Influenced Instructional Strategies:

  •  Clear Structure: Content is broken down into manageable chunks, typical of behaviorist skill-building.

  • Focus on Desired Behaviors: The formula provides a model for resume success, guiding learners towards desired outcomes.

  • Repetition: Emphasizing key concepts and terminology throughout the course reinforces knowledge in a behaviorist manner.

 

Other Learning Theories Applied

  • Cognitivism: The course includes concept maps and diagrams that visually represent how resume components relate to each other.

  • Constructivism: Discussion forums allow earners to share insights, connecting to their own experiences.

  • Andragogy: Creating updated resumes (and several iterations) allows learners to include prior work experiences, even if unrelated to the target field, as transferable skills.

Instructional Design Models

Which learning theories were most influential?

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  • Constructivism: I encouraged learners to build upon existing knowledge (e.g., resume writing skills) and actively engage in their learning through the process of tailoring resumes, understanding ATS, and leveraging AI tools.

  •  Behaviorism: My emphasis on crafting effective bullet points that clearly demonstrate results aligns with behaviorist principles of positive reinforcement. By highlighting accomplishments and providing a formula for success, I can guide learners to produce desired outcomes in their resumes. 

  •  Cognitive Load Theory: My breakdown of complex concepts (like ATS) into smaller, manageable units reflects an acknowledgment of cognitive load theory. This helps ensure learners are not overwhelmed during the learning process.

 

 

How did learning theories enhance the learning experience?

 

  •  Constructivist Approach: By having learners apply concepts to their own resumes and job search strategies, I personalized the learning experience and made it more meaningful. 

  •  Behaviorist Influence: Providing clear models and structure for resume writing helps learners achieve success, enhancing motivation and engagement.

  •  Cognitive Focus: The careful sequencing of information and focus on clear design choices reduces cognitive overwhelm, making even complex topics like ATS more accessible.

 

Screencast Link: https://youtu.be/4PF3dlni0zw

Click CC in the YouTube window for closed captions. 

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