Application of Learning Theory to Students in University or Higher Education

Complex Learning Models

Application of Learning Theory to a Learning Scenario

Recently explained on email some basics of or introduction to digital or e-marketing to a young but conventional account manager and branding person representing an Australian education group in Europe; focus upon reviewing their employer’s digital marketing readiness.


Rationale is that what works in main markets in Asia for Australian education through conventional marketing will not work in a more digital Europe, hence requiring new ‘digital’ skills.


How do you transfer such knowledge, understanding, skills and analysis to higher education teaching of digital or e-marketing?

Complex Learning Project for Young Adults

Exemplar - Introduction to Introduction to Digital or e-Marketing and Communications Strategy for Instructional Design and Teaching in Vocational or Higher Education.

Learning Theory for Theory Application for Students in Higher Education

 

Needs Analysis

Analysing pre-existing knowledge of learners and digital literacy to ‘pitch’ course at right level (diagnostic assessment).  Face to face in classroom, delivered online or blended learning.

Preview

How are students or customers made aware of your services or courses, and interest created (by conventional methods)?

List out elements and actions then report back to group for discussion (informal formative assessment).

What could be done to transform and support marketing and communications by digital technology?
List out elements and actions then report back to group for discussion (informal formative assessment).

Present

Websites and social media are central to digital or e-marketing.  Present image or online to focus upon an example of good versus sub-optimal websites in same sector.  Highlight and/or elicit good and bad elements.

Practice

In pairs continue adding to list or elaborating further, then present to group (informal formative assessment).

Group adds any key elements not included.

Production

Individually create custom list for one’s own employer’s website and social media, then in pairs compare with partner (informal formative assessment).

Wrap-up

Report outcomes to group and elicit further feedback (informal formative assessment).

Post Learning Assessment Activity

Write up 500 word report outlining approach to digital for one’s own employer including review of existing marketing, existing website and actions for improved website/social media, required resources and how to stay up to date within sector or occupation (formal summative assessment).
NB: Use at least one journal, one course book and one website reference using Harvard system; in addition to any other sources used.

More complex, authentic and higher level summative assessment would entail designing a basic website or blog including social media and content; explaining and justifying elements (Trustees of Indiana University, 2017).

Connections to Learning Theory - Pedagogy or Andragogy?

Constructivism through leading to learning outcomes (David, 2015), cognitivism with learners providing input (Hanna, 2017), connectivism through sharing knowledge and experience in course and after e.g. professional networking (Mergel, 1998).   Supported by andragogy of adults being motivated, experienced, creating meaning and relating to concrete problems or issues round adopting digital (Pappas, 2013).


The PPP model was adapted and used from the internationally recognised Cambridge English Teaching CELTA based on adult learning principles of andragogy exemplified by interactive, communicative and student centred learning.

Reference List

David L. (2015) "Constructivism," in Learning Theories.  Available at: https://www.learning-theories.com/constructivism.html (Accessed on: 8 November 2017).


Hanna, M. (2017) Learning Theory Matrix. Available at: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8d28/2833c35fb8b9ea74bf2c930cea22fb1e0fad.pdf (Accessed on: 16 November 2017).


Mergel, B. (1998) Instructional Design & Learning Theory.  Available at: http://etad.usask.ca/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm#Cognitivism (Accessed on: 17 November 2017).


Pappas, C. (2013) Instructional Design: The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy of Malcolm Knowles. Available at: https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles (Accessed on: 20 November 2017).


Trustees of Indiana University (2017) Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning: Authentic Assessment. Available at:  https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/assessing-student-learning/authentic-assessment/ (Accessed on: 2 December 2017).