I this post, I am giving a summary of the six learning types introduced by Professor Diana Laurillard from the University College London. These learning types are different activities that you can include in your online or traditional training. They are encapsulated in the Conversational Framework (a pedagogical theory proposed by Prof. Laurillard [1].
Six Learning Types:
DIANA LAURILLIARD'S CONVERSATIONAL FRAMEWORK
This framework can be both a learning theory and can be used as a practical framework for designing educational environments.[2]
It is used by higher education. Many practical guides and curriculum design models developed in higher-ed are underpinned by these principles and revolve around these six learning types. One of the most popular is the ABC curriculum design model, also developed by the UCL team [3].
I find all this framework and the notion of six learning types very helpful when planning online courses – they provide excellent prompts and ideas for online activities which are supported by pedagogical theories.1. ACQUISITION
Learners will:
- Read
- Observe
- Name
- Tell
- Recall
- Define
- Repeat
- Describe
- Arrange
- Memorise
- Recognise
- State
2. INVESTIGATION
Examples and ideas for investigation based learning:
- Browsing, seeking, and collecting information
- Problem-solving or answering big questions
- Inquiry driven investigation of authentic situations
- Case-based study of individual cases
- Evaluating and using online guidance
- Analysis of ideas and information
- Comparison and analysis of the range of digital sources
- Finding and evaluating information and ideas
Learners will:
- Locate
- Match
- Explain
- Experiment
- Record
- Solve
- Collect
- List
- Arrange
- Define
- Describe
- Categorise
- Recognise
- Identify
3. PRACTICE
Examples and ideas for practical activities:
- Simulation to interact with the simulated world or branching scenarios
- Cross-context learning across physical, social settings
- Game-based learning engaging learners with the game environments and
- practicing exercises
- Role-play activities
- Virtual labs and field trips
Learners will:
- List
- Arrange
- Define
- Describe
- Categorize
- Recognize
- Identify
- Locate
- Match
- Explain
- Experiment
- Record
- Solve
- Collect
4. PRODUCTION
Examples and ideas for production learning activities:
- Constructing, designing and making objects drawings, models, representations of designs.
- Performing or presenting to an audience
- Reflecting on activities (discussion, writing, production)
- Assessing learners (learning through giving / receiving constructive feedback)
- Creating digital artifacts and designs (e-portfolio, blog, website, videos, animations, photos, slides)
Learners will:
- Create
- Show
- Explain
- Describe
- Develop
- Review
- Record
- Evaluate
5. COLLABORATION
Examples and ideas for collaborative tasks:
- Small group projects
- Building something together
- Discussing each others’ projects and giving feedback
Learners will:
- Create
- Share
- Discuss
- Investigate
- Review
- Role-play
- Practice
- Demonstrate
- Employ
- Support
6. DISCUSSION
Examples and ideas for discussion:
- Discussion groups and forums
- Web-conferencing and chat tools (synchronous & asynchronous)
- Seminars
- Sharing experiences
- Applying concepts to experiences or examples
- Interacting with others
Learners will:
- Comment
- Debate
- Reflect
- Contribute
- Critique
- Compare
- Defend
- Argue
- Rationalise
- Define
- Describe
PRINTABLE LEARNING TYPES CARDS
The below flipbook outlines each of the learning types. The cards also have prompts and examples of online activities. I have experience of using similar aids to design courses and modules for universities, colleges and schools. The learning types are very intuitive and easy to understand – they have proved to be very helpful for teachers and course creators to plan and describe the learning process. They are often used in combination with various aids in the curriculum and course planning.
I used similar cards while working on developing MOOCs Massive Open Online courses for the Future Learn Platform and using them to plan courses following the ABC curriculum design model. I created my version of the curriculum design cards, where I included some additional details. I expanded on the short description of each learning type and included prompts and examples of activities. They great when creating courses and can be used by anyone – even those with no prior learning design experience.If you like them, I can share the printable version – just complete the request form below, and you will receive a printable version into your inbox.
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