An overview of the Conditions and Processes of Learning

Purpose: The purpose of this training seminar is to familiarize the participant with the conditions and processes of learning to inform personnel who select, design, organize, or perform training in their organization. Duration: 4 Hours. Scheduled class time is TBD Training Overview: Based on a cognitive information processing approach to human learning, this seminar is designed to familiarize the participant with how learning occurs and the conditions that impact learning outcomes. The five major categories of learning outcomes and the conditions of learning and events of instruction that facilitate achievement of learning according to Robert Gagne will be discussed. Schema theory and advance organizers will be briefly discussed as it relates to activation of prior knowledge. The importance of motivation to the learning process will be reviewed. The seminar is designed to stimulate interest in how learning occurs and how learning processes can be facilitated. It will serve as an introduction to a more extensive and thorough review of learning theory and the conditions of learning. Specific Key topics to be addressed: Establishing a definition of learning Information processing theories of human learning Categories of learned capabilities Events of Instruction Learner motivation Hands-on activities: Prepare block diagram and work problem solving example Training Objectives: Upon completion of the training the learner should be equipped to: o Define learning o Name five categories of learned capabilities o Explain information processing theory in terms of a computer metaphor o Describe the functional relationship between working memory and long-term memory o Explain the concept of a schema and give example of an impoverished schema o Describe two sources from which motivational tendencies or processes are derived Resources: Class handouts and materials, and a certificate of completion will be included with the seminar. References: Gagne, R. (1985). The Conditions of Learning (4th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Gagné, R. M., & Medsker, K. (1996). The conditions of learning. Training applications. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace.