Effective learning is grounded in decades of research on how people learn. Meaningful learning occurs when students actively construct knowledge, retrieve information from memory, collaborate with peers, reflect on their thinking, and repeatedly apply concepts in authentic and meaningful ways. This pathway explores the learning theories and cognitive principles that explain how these instructional practices promote student engagement, deeper understanding, and improved academic performance. By understanding the science behind these evidence-based strategies, educators can intentionally design learning experiences, such as GBR, that foster lasting learning rather than relying solely on traditional teacher-centered instruction.
Objectives
By the end of this pathway, participants will be able to:
- Correlate how learning theories support the use of game-based review in nursing education.
- Connect instructional decisions to principles of learning science, including retrieval practice, active engagement, declarative knowledge, and metacognition.
Learning Theories
Learning theories provide a framework for understanding how students acquire, process, and retain knowledge. Rather than viewing learning as the passive transfer of information from instructor to student, contemporary learning theories emphasize active participation, meaningful experiences, collaboration, and reflection. These principles help explain why instructional strategies such as game-based review can enhance student engagement and improve academic performance.
The theories and learning science principles presented in this section—including Constructivism, Social Constructivism, Experiential Learning Theory, Retrieval Practice, Declarative Knowledge, Active Engagement, and Metacognition—offer evidence-based theory for why GBR is an effective instructional approach. As you explore each concept, consider how these principles are already reflected in your teaching and how they can be intentionally incorporated into future learning experiences to promote deeper understanding and lasting learning.
Presentation: Learning Theories in Nursing Education
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Open in new tab Infographic: Learning Theories
This infographic illustrates the main concepts from the presentation regarding Learning Theories.
Review of Learning Theories
Complete this crossword puzzle to review the information in the video and infographic.
Application of Learning Theories
Read the scenario provided on each card and decide which learning theory is being described. Hit the ‘turn’ button to see the correct answer.
Make the Match!
Now that you’ve explored several learning theories, take a moment to reflect on your own teaching style (Think back to Pathway 1 Reflection). Do you tend to teach from a teacher-centered approach, a learner-centered approach, or a blend of both? Then, select one learning theory or cognitive practice that you would like to incorporate into your classroom and describe how it could enhance student learning.
Key Takeaways
You have explored the learning theories and evidence that support effective instructional design and discovered how strategies such as game-based review can promote active engagement, collaboration, and meaningful learning. This foundation will help you make intentional, evidence-informed instructional decisions.
Coming Up Next…
In Learning Pathway 3, you will apply these concepts by selecting an instructional goal, identifying a desired student outcome, and beginning to design your instructional change.