What's the best way to design learning activities?

1 Know your learners

Before you design any learning activity, you need to know who your learners are, what they already know, what they need to learn, and how they prefer to learn. You can use various methods to collect this information, such as surveys, interviews, pre-tests, observations, and feedback. Knowing your learners will help you tailor your learning activities to their needs, interests, motivations, and goals.

2 Choose a learning theory or model

Learning theories and models are frameworks that explain how people learn and what factors influence their learning. They can aid in designing learning activities based on sound pedagogical principles and evidence. Behaviorism, for instance, focuses on observable and measurable behaviors shaped by reinforcement and feedback. Activities such as drills, quizzes, rewards, and punishments can be applied here. Cognitivism emphasizes mental processes like memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving, while activities like lectures, demonstrations, simulations, and case studies are used to facilitate learning. Constructivism suggests that learners construct their own meaning from experiences and interactions with others; inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, collaborative learning, and reflection are appropriate activities here. Connectivism recognizes learning occurs in networks of information, people, and technology; thus online discussions, blogs, wikis, podcasts, and social media can be utilized.

3 Align your learning objectives and outcomes

Learning objectives and outcomes are statements that describe what you want your learners to know, do, and feel at the end of your learning activity. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also align with the learning theory or model that you have chosen and the level of cognitive complexity that you expect from your learners. You can use various frameworks to help you write your learning objectives and outcomes, such as Bloom's taxonomy, SOLO taxonomy, or SMART criteria.

4 Select appropriate methods and tools

Methods and tools are the strategies and resources used to deliver a learning activity. They should be tailored to the learning objectives, outcomes, theory or model, and learners' preferences and needs. It's also important to consider the practical aspects of the activity, such as time, space, budget, and equipment. Examples of methods and tools include direct instruction, discovery learning, cooperative learning, and blended learning. Direct instruction involves presenting information to learners in a clear and structured way. Discovery learning involves letting learners explore new concepts and skills on their own. Cooperative learning involves learners working together in small groups to complete a task. Blended learning combines different modes and formats of learning.

5 Evaluate and improve your learning activity

The last step in designing your learning activity is to evaluate its effectiveness and impact on your learners. You can use various methods to collect and analyze data on your learning activity, such as tests, surveys, interviews, observations, and portfolios. You should also solicit feedback from your learners, peers, and experts on how to improve your learning activity. Based on the results of your evaluation, you should make adjustments and modifications to your learning activity to enhance its quality and relevance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?