IDT100x

LDT100x - Learning Theories

Course Dates: May 26, 2025, to July 21, 2025.

This course begins with the foundation: learning theories. In this first module, I’ll walk you through the essential models that shape how we design instruction, from behaviorism and cognitivism to constructivist and social learning perspectives. Understanding these theories changed how I view teaching, learning, and content design—and I’m excited to share that with you.

Let’s dive in. - Jeffrey McDaniels May 2025

Introduction, Copyright, & the Creative Commons

Learning Theory: Behaviorism

Learning Theory: Cognitivism

Learning Theory: Constructivism

Learning Theory: Connectivism

Learning Theory: Andragogy

Assessment & Learning Models

Microlearning, IDD, and Signature Assignment

Light Gray image with words: Learning Theories Topics

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Introduction, Copyright, & the Creative Commons

Reasons for choosing: CC BY-NC 4.0.

SCM Trainer (my company) uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0) license to support open access to learning while protecting our content from unauthorized commercial use.

This license allows others to:

Share and adapt our materials
With proper credit to myself and my company, SCM Trainer
For non-commercial purposes only

Why This License

Encourages educational use by instructors, students, and professionals
Protects our intellectual property from being reused in for-profit products
Aligns with our mission to make supply chain learning accessible and affordable

This approach balances openness with ownership, helping us serve the SCM community while maintaining control over the use of our materials.

Just so you know, I have added additional comments in the DSS documents section regarding how my Creative Commons license will change to copyright once we transition to paid and subscription eLearning courses. Check it out under the "Document" page tab.

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Learning Theory: Behaviorism

What is Behaviorism?

Behaviorism is a learning theory that views learning as a change in observable behavior shaped by environmental stimuli and responses, without focusing on internal thoughts or emotions.

Key Historical Milestones

1903 – Ivan Pavlov: Discovered classical conditioning through experiments with dogs (stimulus-response associations).
1913 – John B. Watson: Published the article Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It, establishing behaviorism as a formal school of psychology.
1938 – B.F. Skinner: Introduced operant conditioning—behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcement or punishment).
1950s–1960s – Application in Education: Skinner’s programmed instruction influenced early forms of eLearning and Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI).

Connection to Teaching and Learning

Emphasizes structured lessons, drill-and-practice, and precise performance objectives.
Observable outcomes, not internal understanding, assess learning.
Most effective for:
- Safety/compliance training
- Procedural or software tasks
- Early-stage or foundational skill development

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Implications of Behaviorism for Instructional Design

Behaviorism informs instructional designers to:

Define learning objectives behaviorally – e.g., “Learner will select the correct part number from the WMS interface with 100% accuracy.”
Sequence learning content logically, through chaining and scaffolded steps.
Use frequent assessments, such as multiple-choice, matching, or drag-and-drop.
Provide immediate feedback – correct = positive reinforcement, incorrect = retry or hint.
Incorporate gamification and automation – points, badges, or pass/fail logic within LMS courses.
Use repetition and drill tasks – especially for SOP or compliance mastery.

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Strengths & Limitations of Behaviorism in Training

Strengths

Clear expectations and alignment with job roles
Excellent for onboarding, compliance, ERP training, and warehouse SOPs
Easily measured and scaled
Learners receive reinforcement that builds confidence
Automation-friendly: feedback, scoring, and remediation are built into the platform

Limitations

Doesn’t support critical thinking or innovation
Learners may become passive recipients, not problem-solvers
Not ideal for developing soft skills, leadership, or ethical reasoning
May overlook motivation and prior knowledge

My Professional Perspective:

As an instructional designer creating training for global supply chain professionals, I’ve found behaviorism extremely effective for task-based training, like using supply chain planning software, practicing safety protocols, or performing root cause analysis with checklists. But I lean heavily on constructivism and cognitive learning strategies when developing strategic thinking or managing ambiguity.

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Example of a Behaviorist Learning Scenario

Scenario: "Warehouse Safety Protocol Training"

The Problem: New hires, as well as those in refresher training, in a distribution center often overlook critical steps in the forklift safety protocol. This leads to near misses and non-compliance with OSHA guidelines.

Learning Objective (Behavioral): Given a virtual forklift operation environment, learners will correctly identify and complete all seven steps of the pre-operation safety checklist with 100% accuracy.”

Stimulus-Response Structure:

Stimulus: A simulation screen presents the forklift with hotspots for each safety step (e.g., seatbelt check, horn test).
Response: Learner clicks each item in correct order and completes actions (e.g., horn button press).
Observable Behavior: Sequence completion, timing, and correct response rate are tracked.

Reinforcement Strategy

Positive Reinforcement:
- Digital badge unlocked after correct completion
- Access to the “Quick Pass” certification for job readiness
- Visible progress bar showing safety mastery
Negative Reinforcement:
- If the learner completes all steps correctly, they skip a final review module (removal of redundant content).
- Incorrect attempts result in additional practice drills and delayed certification.

Observable Evidence of Learning

100% score on simulation
Less than 3 minutes to complete the task
Final quiz with drag-and-drop sequence match = 100% correct

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Applying Behaviorism in eLearning and vILT

I have added further comments in the Document tab, highlighting how I will apply behaviorism in my eLearning and vILT courses.

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Instructional Design Central (IDC). (2024). Learning theories overview. https://www.instructionaldesigncentral.com/learning-theories-overview

Your eLearning World. (n.d.). 4 ways to apply behaviorism principles to your eLearning material. https://yourelearningworld.com/how-to-apply-behaviorism-principles-to-elearning/

Association for Talent Development (ATD). (n.d.). Key adult learning theory concepts and application tips (templates). https://www.td.org/templates-and-tools/adult-learning-theory

Association for Talent Development (ATD). (2019, January). Adult learning – Theory in practice [Video]. https://www.td.org/videos/adult-learning-theory-in-practice

Additional Sources:

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Learning Theory: Cognitivism

LDT100x - Learning Theories

Introduction, Copyright, & the Creative Commons

Learning Theory: Behaviorism

Learning Theory: Cognitivism

Learning Theory: Constructivism

Learning Theory: Connectivism

Learning Theory: Andragogy

Learning Theory: Assessment & Learning Models

Microlearning, IDD, & Signature Assignment Submission

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