While my original draft for my course aimed to blend cognitivism with constructivism, I eventually decided to switch from constructivism to connectivism to create a more impactful guide, while still keeping the cognitive foundation. My decision was driven by the specific needs of our audience and the purpose of the course. The focus of cognitivism on mental activities like critical thinking and problem-solving shaped my choice to develop interactive and engaging activities, like the Loan Scenario Role-Play Simulation and the This or That Game. These activities are designed to make learners actively process information, practice decision-making, and see the consequences beyond just passive memorization.
I've swapped Constructivism for Connectivism because the latter responds better in this digital world where our target group (young people) lives. While Constructivism emphasizes that learners build knowledge from their experiences, Connectivism assumes that learning itself is an interconnected process. For young people facing the risks of a digital financial web, it's not enough to just develop their own understanding; they also need to learn how to search, analyze, and share information within a complex digital network. This principle is best illustrated through the TikTok Knowledge Drop Challenge, which empowers learners to become content producers and educators. This activity not only promotes digital skills but also creates a peer-to-peer network, making learning a truly collaborative experience and prepares them to navigate guidance in an interconnected world.
Although I had originally selected ADDIE as my instructional design model, I found that the Understanding by Design (UbD) model, or backward design, better served my course development than a linear model like ADDIE. The core principle of starting with the end in mind is crucial in intentionally selecting activities to build the specific skills needed for success, ensuring every activity was meaningful.
The most significant benefit of UbD was the inherent alignment it created. It ensured that every piece of content, every quiz question, and every activity directly contributed to the learning objectives. The challenge, however, was the rigorous front-loaded work; it required a significant time investment in the initial planning stages of this course. Despite this, UbD's focus on authentic performance facilitated a course that genuinely prepares learners to navigate real-world financial situations.