Gagne’s Conditions of Learning Theory-2

B) Practical Application

Gagne’s nine instructional events and corresponding cognitive processes can serve as the basis for designing instruction and selecting appropriate media (Gagne, Briggs & Wager, 1992, as cited in Kearsley 1994a). In applying these instructional events, Kearsley (1994a) suggests keeping the following principles in mind:

1. Learning hierarchies define a sequence of instruction.
2. Learning hierarchies define what intellectual skills are to be learned.
3. Different instruction is required for different learning outcomes.

EXAMPLE
The following example applies Gagne's nine instructional events:

• Instructional Objective: Recognize an equilateral triangle (example from Kearsley 1994a).
• Methodology:

1. Gain attention - show a variety of computer generated triangles
2. Identify objective - pose question: "What is an equilateral triangle?"
3. Recall prior learning - review definitions of triangles
4. Present stimulus - give definition of equilateral triangle
5. Guide learning - show example of how to create equilateral
6. Elicit performance - ask students to create 5 different examples
7. Provide feedback - check all examples as correct/incorrect
8. Assess performance - provide scores and remediation
9. Enhance retention/transfer - show pictures of objects and ask students to identify equilateral triangles.