Learning and Instructional Theories

Every instructional design should have a theoretical base. Theory guides instruction, gives order and consistency. It serves as a road-map keeping instructors on course.
The question of, which theory to use for a given instruction depends on a number of factors;

1. Theoretical orientations of the individual

2. nature of the instructional design task, that is the conditions and requirements of the instruction

3. preference of the clients or project sponsors with personal views on how effectively students learn.

It should be noted that, basically to maintain student motivation, promote learning activity and analyse tasks into objectively measurable component outcomes, behavioural principles are most helpful in structuring conditions of instruction.

Also, when designers with different theoretical perspective and expertise collaborate, it yields good results.

It is good for instructional designers therefore to have a general knowledge about all these theories to enable them apply each appropraitely in a given instruction to achieve effeciency and effectiveness.