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📒Minicourse Idea:
📒Minicourse Idea:
Curriculum to Constructivism – A Practical Planning Framework for Real-World, Standards-Based Learning
Curriculum to Constructivism – A Practical Planning Framework for Real-World, Standards-Based Learning
🔙Identified Issue / Knowledge Gap
🔙Identified Issue / Knowledge Gap
In many K–12 systems, educators must follow tightly paced, assessment-driven curricula. While these structures aim to ensure consistency, they often limit opportunities for deeper, student-centered learning such as inquiry, project-based learning, and collaborative problem-solving. These approaches require more time and planning than traditional instruction typically allows.
Although some curricula include real-world word problems, they rarely support sustained, performance-based learning where students apply content in relevant, personally meaningful ways. For example, students may encounter problems about farms or sports teams but lack opportunities to explore how subjects like math, reading, or science can apply to entrepreneurial or real-life contexts that reflect their lived experiences and future goals.
This creates a performance discrepancy between instructional expectations and actual implementation. Educators are expected to foster critical thinking and real-world application, yet often lack a practical framework to plan and deliver these experiences within existing curriculum and assessment constraints.
This reveals a persistent challenge: How can educators bring more meaning, engagement, and relevance into curriculum-driven instruction; especially when time and assessment pressures are real constraints?
💡 Minicourse Overview
💡 Minicourse Overview
This minicourse walks educators through a practical framework for designing real-world, constructivist learning experiences that align with academic standards. The process supports teachers in mapping curriculum goals to engaging, authentic tasks that help students apply what they’re learning in meaningful ways.
Whether implemented during the instructional day, used to enrich small group time, or extended into after-school or project blocks, this approach helps students build deeper understanding while working toward grade-level expectations. The minicourse acknowledges the instructional trade-offs and provides flexible planning strategies educators can adapt to their own context.
References
References
Association for Experiential Education. (n.d.). What is experiential education? https://www.aee.org/
Authentic assessment. (n.d.). New Jersey Institute of Technology. https://www.njit.edu/ite/authentic-assessment
Baker, J. (2015, July 17). What is summative assessment? Examples, importance & more. SplashLearn. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
Bates, T. (2022). Teaching in a digital age: Third edition. BC Campus. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gccomm/sectioninfo
Beard, E. (2023, June 22). What is formative assessment? NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2023/what-is-formative-assessment/
Buljan, M. (2021, November 15). Gamification for learning: Strategies and examples. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/gamification-for-learning-strategies-and-examples
Buljan, M. (2021, December 13). Experiential learning in online courses. Ewyse. https://ewyse.agency/blog/experiential-learning-in-online-courses/
Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.). Authentic assessment in the online classroom. Risepoint. https://ctl.risepoint.com/authentic-assessment-in-the-online-classroom/
Devlin Peck. (2020, June 5). Gagne's nine events of instruction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-31fCUQ2htU
Dinia, I. (2023, January 22). How to use gamification in eLearning for maximum engagement and effectiveness. ELearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-gamification-in-elearning-for-maximum-engagement-and-effectiveness
Formative assessment-10 key questions. (2017, January). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/strategic-assessment/Formative_Assessment_10_key_questions.pdf
JeopardyLabs. (n.d.). PNC conversation [Online game]. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://jeopardylabs.com/play/pnc-conversation
KnowledgeOne. (2022, October 5). Gamification [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzT4oX6swc
Lawless, C. (n.d.). What is project-based learning? A guide for corporate trainers. LearnUpon Blog. https://www.learnupon.com/blog/what-is-project-based-learning/
McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Gagne’s conditions of learning theory. Simple Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/conditions-of-learning-gagne.html
Miller, B. (2020, April 28). Summative assessment in distance learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/summative-assessment-distance-learning
mjmfoodie. (2020, May 6). Formative and summative assessment [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/G8CsWNzkBVc
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Version 4) [Large language model]. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com
Prompt: “Review my instructional design draft to identify which elements are present or missing (ZPD, scaffolding, ARCS, 5E model), provide feedback, and help revise for clarity and tone.”
Pappas, C. (2015, May 20). Instructional design models and theories: Keller’s ARCS model of motivation. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/arcs-model-of-motivation
Pappas, C. (2024, January 9). Summative assessment in eLearning: What eLearning professionals should know. eLearning Industry. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
PBL Works. (2010, December 9). Project-based learning: Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8
Sprouts. (2015, October 12). Experiential learning: How we all learn naturally [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF63HHVbpQ8&t=11s
Summative assessment. (n.d.). Baylor University. https://atl.web.baylor.edu/guides/assessing-student-learning-and-teaching/summative-assessment
Walter, Z. (n.d.). What is gamification? Gamify. https://www.gamify.com/what-is-gamification
What is PBL? (n.d.). Buck Institute for Education. https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
Arundel, K. (2021, June 30). ISTE 2021: 4 ways to make project-based learning work online. K-12 Dive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/4-ways-to-make-project-based-learning-work-online/602592/
AI and Design Tools:
Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."
🎯 Learning Objectives
🎯 Learning Objectives
📁 Design a Real-World, Standards-Aligned Learning Unit
Educators will apply a flexible planning framework to design a project-based learning experience that connects academic standards to real-world scenarios. The final unit will include scaffolded tasks, vocabulary supports, and assessments aligned with grade-level expectations.
📁 Design a Real-World, Standards-Aligned Learning Unit
Educators will apply a flexible planning framework to design a project-based learning experience that connects academic standards to real-world scenarios. The final unit will include scaffolded tasks, vocabulary supports, and assessments aligned with grade-level expectations.
🎁 Final Deliverables
🎁 Final Deliverables
📝 Project Plan Template
A completed project-based planning template educators can reuse or adapt.📚 Unit Draft
A draft unit plan that integrates academic standards with real-world application.📊 Implementation Tools
A standards-based rubric, instructional timeline, and differentiated task guide to support classroom use.
📊Assessment
📊Assessment
✅ Authentic / Performance-Based Assessment
✅ Authentic / Performance-Based Assessment
✔ Final Unit Plan
Participants submit a complete real-world learning unit that connects grade-level standards to a meaningful final product or task.
✔ Scaffolded Task Sequence
The plan includes intentionally sequenced steps that support student learning, build in vocabulary use, and offer options for different learners.
✔ Culminating Student Product
The final task students complete shows how they’ll apply what they’ve learned in a real-world or relevant way.
🔄 Formative Assessment
🔄 Formative Assessment
🗂 Planning Templates
Participants use step-by-step templates to break down standards, organize the project, and think through supports.
🤝 Peer Feedback
Opportunities to give and receive input on draft ideas, helping participants refine their plans in real time.
🪞 Reflection Checkpoints
Short, low-pressure prompts encourage participants to pause, think about their instructional choices, and make adjustments as needed.
References
References
Association for Experiential Education. (n.d.). What is experiential education? https://www.aee.org/
Authentic assessment. (n.d.). New Jersey Institute of Technology. https://www.njit.edu/ite/authentic-assessment
Baker, J. (2015, July 17). What is summative assessment? Examples, importance & more. SplashLearn. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
Bates, T. (2022). Teaching in a digital age: Third edition. BC Campus. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gccomm/sectioninfo
Beard, E. (2023, June 22). What is formative assessment? NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2023/what-is-formative-assessment/
Buljan, M. (2021, November 15). Gamification for learning: Strategies and examples. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/gamification-for-learning-strategies-and-examples
Buljan, M. (2021, December 13). Experiential learning in online courses. Ewyse. https://ewyse.agency/blog/experiential-learning-in-online-courses/
Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.). Authentic assessment in the online classroom. Risepoint. https://ctl.risepoint.com/authentic-assessment-in-the-online-classroom/
Devlin Peck. (2020, June 5). Gagne's nine events of instruction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-31fCUQ2htU
Dinia, I. (2023, January 22). How to use gamification in eLearning for maximum engagement and effectiveness. ELearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-gamification-in-elearning-for-maximum-engagement-and-effectiveness
Formative assessment-10 key questions. (2017, January). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/strategic-assessment/Formative_Assessment_10_key_questions.pdf
JeopardyLabs. (n.d.). PNC conversation [Online game]. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://jeopardylabs.com/play/pnc-conversation
KnowledgeOne. (2022, October 5). Gamification [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzT4oX6swc
Lawless, C. (n.d.). What is project-based learning? A guide for corporate trainers. LearnUpon Blog. https://www.learnupon.com/blog/what-is-project-based-learning/
McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Gagne’s conditions of learning theory. Simple Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/conditions-of-learning-gagne.html
Miller, B. (2020, April 28). Summative assessment in distance learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/summative-assessment-distance-learning
mjmfoodie. (2020, May 6). Formative and summative assessment [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/G8CsWNzkBVc
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Version 4) [Large language model]. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com
Prompt: “Review my instructional design draft to identify which elements are present or missing (ZPD, scaffolding, ARCS, 5E model), provide feedback, and help revise for clarity and tone.”
Pappas, C. (2015, May 20). Instructional design models and theories: Keller’s ARCS model of motivation. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/arcs-model-of-motivation
Pappas, C. (2024, January 9). Summative assessment in eLearning: What eLearning professionals should know. eLearning Industry. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
PBL Works. (2010, December 9). Project-based learning: Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8
Sprouts. (2015, October 12). Experiential learning: How we all learn naturally [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF63HHVbpQ8&t=11s
Summative assessment. (n.d.). Baylor University. https://atl.web.baylor.edu/guides/assessing-student-learning-and-teaching/summative-assessment
Walter, Z. (n.d.). What is gamification? Gamify. https://www.gamify.com/what-is-gamification
What is PBL? (n.d.). Buck Institute for Education. https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
Arundel, K. (2021, June 30). ISTE 2021: 4 ways to make project-based learning work online. K-12 Dive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/4-ways-to-make-project-based-learning-work-online/602592/
AI and Design Tools:
Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."
📚 Learning Models & Theoretical Foundations
📚 Learning Models & Theoretical Foundations
This course is an amalgamation of experiential learning, Constructivism and Cognitivism.
Click each category to see how the model or theory supports the
planning steps and instructional choices in this course.
🧰 Experiential Learning
🧰 Experiential Learning
Educators learn by doing—engaging in the same process they’ll guide students through. This includes identifying a real-world scenario, planning performance-based assessments, and building scaffolded tasks.
🧩 Project-Based Learning – Educators design a standards-aligned unit culminating in a real-world product that students create over time.
🔍 Inquiry-Based Learning – The course begins with authentic questions and student-centered scenarios that guide instructional planning.
🎨 Studio/Workshop Learning – Participants engage in hands-on planning sessions to build, revise, and reflect on their instructional materials.
📂 Case-Based Learning – Educators analyze real-world scenarios and backwards-map instruction from those cases.
🤝 Cooperative Learning – Teachers are encouraged to collaborate through peer feedback, co-planning, or sharing adaptations of unit tasks.
🛠 Constructivism
🛠 Constructivism
This course is built on constructivist principles: learners build meaning by connecting new knowledge to prior experience. Each planning phase centers student exploration, relevance, and ownership of learning.
🧭 Key Design Choices:
Performance-based assessments – Students create a product, presentation, or business pitch to demonstrate understanding.
Backward design – Planning starts with a real-world task or outcome, then works backward to align instruction.
Collaborative reflection – Educators revise plans based on peer feedback and shared discussion.
🗂️ Example in Practice:
Teachers design a student project (like running a classroom market or launching a product), then work backward to identify:
Relevant standards
Required knowledge and skills
Real-world thinking and reasoning tasks
They then plan scaffolded steps to guide students toward the final product with built-in supports and checkpoints.
🧠 Cognitivism
🧠 Cognitivism
The course design supports metacognitive development by guiding educators to think intentionally about how learning is structured, sequenced, and processed. Planning tools such as templates, visual organizers, and chunked steps help participants reflect on how students will access, retain, and apply information—promoting clearer instructional decisions and cognitive organization.
🧭 Key Design Choices:
Chunking content – Big goals are broken into smaller, manageable learning targets.
Visual organizers – Flowcharts and graphic tools help educators see how concepts and standards connect.
Instructional scaffolds – Sentence starters, data tables, and other tools support diverse learners at each step.
🗂️ Example in Practice:
Teachers use structured templates to:
Reflect on how lesson elements support learning goals and pacing.
Adjust and scaffold tasks to improve clarity, accessibility, and alignment with cognitive demands.
Bernard. L. (2025) Instructional Theory in Practice: Constructivism & Cognitivism , Created on Canvas
References
References
Association for Experiential Education. (n.d.). What is experiential education? https://www.aee.org/
Authentic assessment. (n.d.). New Jersey Institute of Technology. https://www.njit.edu/ite/authentic-assessment
Baker, J. (2015, July 17). What is summative assessment? Examples, importance & more. SplashLearn. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
Bates, T. (2022). Teaching in a digital age: Third edition. BC Campus. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gccomm/sectioninfo
Beard, E. (2023, June 22). What is formative assessment? NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2023/what-is-formative-assessment/
Buljan, M. (2021, November 15). Gamification for learning: Strategies and examples. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/gamification-for-learning-strategies-and-examples
Buljan, M. (2021, December 13). Experiential learning in online courses. Ewyse. https://ewyse.agency/blog/experiential-learning-in-online-courses/
Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.). Authentic assessment in the online classroom. Risepoint. https://ctl.risepoint.com/authentic-assessment-in-the-online-classroom/
Devlin Peck. (2020, June 5). Gagne's nine events of instruction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-31fCUQ2htU
Dinia, I. (2023, January 22). How to use gamification in eLearning for maximum engagement and effectiveness. ELearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-gamification-in-elearning-for-maximum-engagement-and-effectiveness
Formative assessment-10 key questions. (2017, January). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/strategic-assessment/Formative_Assessment_10_key_questions.pdf
JeopardyLabs. (n.d.). PNC conversation [Online game]. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://jeopardylabs.com/play/pnc-conversation
KnowledgeOne. (2022, October 5). Gamification [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzT4oX6swc
Lawless, C. (n.d.). What is project-based learning? A guide for corporate trainers. LearnUpon Blog. https://www.learnupon.com/blog/what-is-project-based-learning/
McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Gagne’s conditions of learning theory. Simple Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/conditions-of-learning-gagne.html
Miller, B. (2020, April 28). Summative assessment in distance learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/summative-assessment-distance-learning
mjmfoodie. (2020, May 6). Formative and summative assessment [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/G8CsWNzkBVc
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Version 4) [Large language model]. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com
Prompt: “Review my instructional design draft to identify which elements are present or missing (ZPD, scaffolding, ARCS, 5E model), provide feedback, and help revise for clarity and tone.”
Pappas, C. (2015, May 20). Instructional design models and theories: Keller’s ARCS model of motivation. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/arcs-model-of-motivation
Pappas, C. (2024, January 9). Summative assessment in eLearning: What eLearning professionals should know. eLearning Industry. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
PBL Works. (2010, December 9). Project-based learning: Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8
Sprouts. (2015, October 12). Experiential learning: How we all learn naturally [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF63HHVbpQ8&t=11s
Summative assessment. (n.d.). Baylor University. https://atl.web.baylor.edu/guides/assessing-student-learning-and-teaching/summative-assessment
Walter, Z. (n.d.). What is gamification? Gamify. https://www.gamify.com/what-is-gamification
What is PBL? (n.d.). Buck Institute for Education. https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
Arundel, K. (2021, June 30). ISTE 2021: 4 ways to make project-based learning work online. K-12 Dive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/4-ways-to-make-project-based-learning-work-online/602592/
AI and Design Tools:
Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."
Motivational Design Overview: Applying Keller’s ARCS Model
Motivational Design Overview: Applying Keller’s ARCS Model
The Curriculum to Constructivism minicourse was intentionally designed using Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivation to ensure educators stay focused, supported, and motivated as they create meaningful, standards-aligned learning experiences.
🎯 Attention
🎯 Attention
The course begins with familiar challenges and practical entry points, such as curriculum pacing and student engagement. Visual tools and clear, task-based steps help maintain focus and support continued participation.
🔗 Relevance
🔗 Relevance
Each module connects directly to teachers’ daily responsibilities—such as addressing standards, preparing for assessments, and planning instruction. The framework offers a way to enhance current practices without requiring major changes to existing curriculum.
💪 Confidence
💪 Confidence
Scaffolded guidance and examples are provided throughout the course to help educators organize and apply what they’re learning. The structure allows for adjustments based on classroom needs, which helps participants feel prepared to implement the strategies.
🏆 Satisfaction
🏆 Satisfaction
Participants complete the course with a draft learning unit and accompanying tools they can revise or use in their context. The focus on practical application offers a sense of progress and purpose, with outcomes that align with both instructional goals and student needs.
Bernard. L. (2025) Curriculuum to Constructivism Created on Canvas
References
References
Association for Experiential Education. (n.d.). What is experiential education? https://www.aee.org/
Authentic assessment. (n.d.). New Jersey Institute of Technology. https://www.njit.edu/ite/authentic-assessment
Baker, J. (2015, July 17). What is summative assessment? Examples, importance & more. SplashLearn. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
Bates, T. (2022). Teaching in a digital age: Third edition. BC Campus. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/gccomm/sectioninfo
Beard, E. (2023, June 22). What is formative assessment? NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2023/what-is-formative-assessment/
Buljan, M. (2021, November 15). Gamification for learning: Strategies and examples. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/gamification-for-learning-strategies-and-examples
Buljan, M. (2021, December 13). Experiential learning in online courses. Ewyse. https://ewyse.agency/blog/experiential-learning-in-online-courses/
Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.). Authentic assessment in the online classroom. Risepoint. https://ctl.risepoint.com/authentic-assessment-in-the-online-classroom/
Devlin Peck. (2020, June 5). Gagne's nine events of instruction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-31fCUQ2htU
Dinia, I. (2023, January 22). How to use gamification in eLearning for maximum engagement and effectiveness. ELearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-gamification-in-elearning-for-maximum-engagement-and-effectiveness
Formative assessment-10 key questions. (2017, January). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/strategic-assessment/Formative_Assessment_10_key_questions.pdf
JeopardyLabs. (n.d.). PNC conversation [Online game]. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://jeopardylabs.com/play/pnc-conversation
KnowledgeOne. (2022, October 5). Gamification [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzT4oX6swc
Lawless, C. (n.d.). What is project-based learning? A guide for corporate trainers. LearnUpon Blog. https://www.learnupon.com/blog/what-is-project-based-learning/
McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Gagne’s conditions of learning theory. Simple Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/conditions-of-learning-gagne.html
Miller, B. (2020, April 28). Summative assessment in distance learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/summative-assessment-distance-learning
mjmfoodie. (2020, May 6). Formative and summative assessment [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/G8CsWNzkBVc
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Version 4) [Large language model]. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com
Prompt: “Review my instructional design draft to identify which elements are present or missing (ZPD, scaffolding, ARCS, 5E model), provide feedback, and help revise for clarity and tone.”
Pappas, C. (2015, May 20). Instructional design models and theories: Keller’s ARCS model of motivation. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/arcs-model-of-motivation
Pappas, C. (2024, January 9). Summative assessment in eLearning: What eLearning professionals should know. eLearning Industry. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-makes-summative-assessment-powerful-tool-for-teachers/
PBL Works. (2010, December 9). Project-based learning: Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8
Sprouts. (2015, October 12). Experiential learning: How we all learn naturally [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF63HHVbpQ8&t=11s
Summative assessment. (n.d.). Baylor University. https://atl.web.baylor.edu/guides/assessing-student-learning-and-teaching/summative-assessment
Walter, Z. (n.d.). What is gamification? Gamify. https://www.gamify.com/what-is-gamification
What is PBL? (n.d.). Buck Institute for Education. https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
Arundel, K. (2021, June 30). ISTE 2021: 4 ways to make project-based learning work online. K-12 Dive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/4-ways-to-make-project-based-learning-work-online/602592/
AI and Design Tools:
Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."
🎓 Final Reflection: Learning Theory in Practice (Click to check out my reflection.)
🎓 Final Reflection: Learning Theory in Practice (Click to check out my reflection.)
💡 What Was Most Challenging and Most Enlightening?
The hardest part for me wasn’t the content itself—it was shifting out of my usual K–12 mindset. I’ve spent over a decade teaching elementary students, but I also have experience in the corporate world. It took some effort to stop defaulting to classroom examples and start thinking more broadly about how learning theory applies in different spaces.
Once I got there, I realized I actually enjoy learning theory. It gave me new language to describe the kinds of meaningful, real-world learning experiences I’ve always tried to create. I started noticing my teaching shift mid-course—more student-driven exploration, more gamified activities, more collaboration. I’ve also gotten more intentional about how I design things, especially when it comes to making content easier to process. Microlearning and skimmability are now things I think about regularly.
🧠 How My Thinking Has Shifted
This course helped me slow down and think more intentionally about how people learn. The readings and feedback around cognitive load—especially the split-attention and redundancy effects—helped me look more critically at my materials.
I started reworking infographics and templates to reduce unnecessary text and make key points easier to digest. I’m learning that sometimes less really is more. I’ve also been more reflective about my design choices overall, not just diving into content but asking myself, “What’s the main takeaway here, and how can I make that clear?”
🛠️ Applying Theory to Future Projects
Constructivism will definitely be a big influence in my future design work. I want learning to feel connected to something that matters—whether it’s a student in a classroom or an adult professional learning a new skill. Real-world tasks, scaffolding, reflection, and collaboration are all tools I’ll continue using.
Cognitivism also helps me think about structure—how I sequence tasks, how I support working memory, and how I help learners organize and apply what they’re learning. I’ve started incorporating more planning tools and visual supports as a result.
🚀 Moving Forward with the Minicourse
I feel confident about moving forward with the development of my minicourse. The idea grew from my experience designing student-centered, real-world learning in structured environments. I’ve seen how much engagement and deeper understanding can grow when students are given opportunities to explore and create.
This course gives me the chance to support other educators in doing the same—within the realities of standards and curriculum. I’m looking forward to refining the delivery format and building out the resources so it’s practical, adaptable, and impactful.
📌 ChatGPT was used to support revision and formatting of reflective writing. Final content was reviewed and approved by the student.
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