learning theory resource links

these are links to articles and discussions I find helpful in thinking through what is important when considering learning in the work environment. they are often more succinct that comprehensive. because I believe most people, like me, don’t have the time to read volume after volume. also covered in this area are the related topics of motivation and instructional theory. if you have any links that you think I should add here, just use the comment section below or e-mail dave.

maslow’s hierarchy of needs
one of the foundations of humanistic psychology, abraham maslow’s hierarchy of needs seems to explain why we make decisions (caring for ourselves or those we love) which harm the more societal needs (money, job, wealth). this chart nicely maps business behaviors and goals in line with the hierarchy.

headshift smarter, simpler, social
a very interesting study of the advantages provided to a business education environment by various (including blogs) tool designed to exploit social networks in learning.

merill’s “first principles of instruction”
this is a summary of a conference presentation at AECT, but is a very clear presentation of a sometimes difficult to understand theory by the most influential theorist to develop out of Piaget’s thought.

preparing students for elearning
this “collection of thoughts” is the result of a collaborative course on preparing students for the elearning experience. I tremendous resource for understanding the dynamics of learning about learning (now becoming popularized as “meta-learning”) that students need to cope with when first coming to elearning.

learning theory – models, product and process
an entry in the encyclopedia of informal learning, this is a succinct overview of the major theories of learning. well worth a half an hour sit with a cup of tea.

mcClelland’s achievement motivation
david mcClelland’s work has been a leading component in leadership scholarship for the past 25 +/- years.

david a. kolb on experiential learning
kolb presents a very simple process for learning. Americredit, Inc. has adopted kolb’s learning cycle as the basis of their implementation of learning strategies in their LMS.

theory into practice (tip)
the theory into practice (tip)
database contains descriptions of over 50 theories relevant to human learning and instruction. a must have link for any new student of education.

how do learners define blended learning
in this article first published in elearning magazine, now reprinted in workplaceXpert, peter cheese starts out with what learners percieved as blended learning, he ties their answer to theory and methodology, then to appropriate techonology solutions and back to his case study with solid examples of what could be done fo training in a call center. A really nice article.

vygotskys zone of proximal development
while this page definitely needs design help, it does provide a very nice introduction to the complex theories of vygotsky.

constructivism
a nice, succinct description on the constructivist theory of learning.

the optimal taxonomy of human learning capacities
from chief learning officer magazine online

gagne’s nine events of instruction
gagne is definitely one of the leading voices in education in the 20th century. his nine events of instruction are the basis for much of the education that happens in the western world today.