Gagne’s Learning Theories Denise Gautreau Leslie Claire Jen Gross 619 Design of Online Courses Fall 2012

A Blend of Behaviorism & Cognitivism Nine events of instruction Behaviorist roots with a cognitive information-processing perspective Behaviorism The mind = “black box” Internal mental state/consciousness not important Stimulus – Response Cognitivism The mind (“black box”) should be opened & understood Learner = information processor/computer

Behaviorism Principles Learning is: a correct response following a specific environmental stimulus detected by observing an organism over time Emphasis on: observable and measurable behaviors relationships between environmental variables and behavior Instruction utilizes consequences and reinforcement of learned behaviors Behavior is guided by purpose

Cognitivism Principles Learning is: an active process within learner influenced by the learner a change in knowledge state a mental activity using internal coding & structuring dependent upon what the learner does to process information Emphasis on: the building blocks of knowledge structuring, organizing and sequencing information to produce optimal processing how information is remembered, stored & retrieved problem solving

References http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html http://www.learning-theories.com/behaviorism.html http://im404504.wikidot.com/gagne-s-nine-events-of-instruction-and-constructivist-theory http://classweb.gmu.edu/ndabbagh/Resources/IDKB/models_theories.htm Powers, JoAnne. Adult as Learner, INDSG 602, June 2012