Foundation

Behaviorism was developed by B.F. Skinner that focuses on “stimulus-response” learning, where a stimulus is offered in return for the desired behavior. It was used in military training. Reward and Punishment are a big part of the learning process, and Feedback is a big part of the Behaviorism also. (Bates, 2015) In earlier stage of IDT development, Burrhus Frederic Skinner, a psychologist, created some boxes to automatically reward behavior, such as depressing a lever or pushing a button, which became famous as the Skinner Box. (Public Broadcasting Service, 2021)

Cognitivism is based on the relationship between what the learner already knows and what they are learning. There is a hierarchy of learning in which each step must be achieved before moving to the next step of learning. Learners must process and make sense of what they are learning. (Bates, 2015)

Constructivist learning theory focuses more on inquiry and allowing the learner to research and learn on their own. It also focuses on knowledge gained through social interaction. In other words, the learner constructs his/her own knowledge. (Bates, 2015) Higher-learning thinking is a structural characteristic of Constructivism since the focus is mainly on problem-solving.  In IDT, higher-order learning outcomes are learning objectives that are meant to challenge the learner.  They are based on real world applications. (Reiser, 2018) Learning method innovated by Howard Barrows to train medical school students and faculty. This method is based on the Constructivist theory of learning, and focuses on the following structures:

1.      Student-centered learning

2.      Learning in small groups

3.      Teachers are facilitators

4.      Learning happens with a problem

5.      Students in charge of own learning

(Barrows, 1996)