Instructional design is guided by several major learning theories, each offering unique insights into how people learn and how teaching can be optimized. Below is a summary of the four key theories based on the textbook:
| Behaviorism | Cognitivism | Connectivism | Constructivism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and their environmental antecedents and consequences. Learning occurs through reinforcement or punishment, where positive outcomes increase the likelihood of repeated behaviors (Skinner, 1938; Reiser et al., 2018). Instructional designs based on behaviorism often emphasize clear objectives, feedback, and practice to reinforce learning outcomes. | Cognitivism emphasizes internal mental processes, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Learning involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information through sensory, short-term, and long-term memory systems (Driscoll and Burner, 2022; Reiser et al., 2018). Instructional strategies include directing attention, facilitating connections to prior knowledge, and supporting reflection to enhance learning. | Connectivism views learning as building connections between nodes in a network. It emphasizes diversity of opinions, maintaining connections, and continuously updating knowledge in a dynamic information environment (Siemens, 2005; Reiser et al., 2018). Instructional design in connectivism often integrates collaborative tools and digital technologies to foster connections and shared understanding. | Constructivism posits that learners actively construct knowledge through experiences and interactions. Learning is a process of testing personal understandings against external perspectives in authentic, collaborative environments (Chi et al., 2018; Reiser et al., 2018). Instructional designs leverage real-world tasks, reflection, and scaffolding to support meaningful learning. |