I think it is imperative that as future educators, we understand common theories

of learning and are able to make good choices and educated decisions
regarding the learning interventions we apply in the future. This becomes even
more critical as we integrate technology, social media and informal methods
into the design of learning and create blended learning programs.

Whether we are aware of these theories and the related jargons or not, all
teachers and learning designers approach training in a way that is governed by
one of the learning theories. When we choose a particular way to teach, it has
consequences related to how people learn. As future educators, , our goal is to
make sure that learning is relevant and aligned to the needs of our audience.
We also want to select and apply the right instructional strategies that help the
audience achieve their goals. Once we become more aware of learning
theories, we can begin to understand the process of learning, understand our
beliefs about learning and challenge our assumptions around the methods and
methodologies of learning.

Learning design should be based on learning theories because theories provide

a basis to understand how people learn and a way to explain, describe, analyze
and predict learning. In that sense, a theory helps us make more informed
decisions around the design, development and delivery of learning. There are
different learning theories and these theorists have thought deeply about
learning and contemplated and researched it extensively. Teachers can
leverage this knowledge to think critically about learning and education.

Learning theories also offer frameworks that help understand how information is
used, how knowledge is created and how learning takes place. We as future
educators can apply these frameworks according to different learning and
learner needs and make more informed decisions about choosing the right
instructional practices.

There is no one ‘best’ learning theory because each theory offers a different
way to look at learning and the essential ingredients that make learning
happen. Using these theories as lenses, learning designers can understand and
describe the role of the learner, role of the instructor/teacher/facilitator and
how learning happens in different ways. Each theory has influenced and
shaped instructional practices and methods and all new theories will continue to
do so.
Different theories provide the context of learning; underlying motivation and
methods of teaching and these have implications for designing and delivering
instruction. Also, different theories are best suited to different learning outcomes
and different audience profiles.

Since each theory comprises of facts and assumptions, learning designers must
begin the design of training by first identifying the goal of training and then
select the right theoretical framework that can help achieve those learning
outcomes.