Theory-Based Instructional Models Applied in Classroom Contexts

There is a strong relationship between learning theories and instructional practices. Effective learning occurs as a result of effective teaching strategies. Effective teaching requires teachers to understand learning concepts and to develop a theoretical orientation combined with practice for efficient instructional design. There are three leading learning theories presented in this article, i.e., behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, each of which is associated with certain types of instruction to yield productive outcomes. Direct instruction and mastery learning are the two typical models that can measure observable changes in learning behavior, a focus of behaviorism. Self-directed learning and cognitive strategies best represent cognitivism that is mainly reflected by the information processing through a series of complex procedures. Cooperative learning and service learning, on the other hand, can typically demonstrate the nature of constructivism, which places an emphasis on how students construct understanding through social interaction and negotiation of meaning. The instructional models presented in this paper are expected to support teachers to enhance teaching strategies and design effective instruction through a critical reflection of theoretical concepts and practical application.