Sixth of Ten Principles of Learning Design
Applied learning implies action, activity, deployment and practice. It suggests its opposite as theoretical. It is, however, slightly more complicated than that simple distinction. There is nothing to suggest that theory, when taught well, cannot be action-based, involve students in creative activities and relate directly to deployment and practice. There may be instances where learning may appear less applied to the present, perhaps in the rote learning of the bones in the body for medical students, for example, but the application will be in the future, and, provided this is clearly illustrated through practical examples, it remains applied in my definition.
Applied learning is defined by several key elements that distinguish it from traditional rote learning:
- Real-World Context: Problems and projects mirror actual challenges found in professional or civic life.
- Active Engagement: The learner is a participant, not just an observer. This often involves building, creating, or troubleshooting.
- Reflection: A critical component where the learner evaluates what worked, what didn’t, and how the theory shifted when put into practice.
- Transferable Skills: It emphasises “soft skills” like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking alongside technical knowledge.
Here are three sub-principles that unpack this for learning designers on Substack
