Generative Learning Theory
October 29, 2002
ISD 651
Jane Wimberg
Darryl Hollins
What is GLT?
 An environment based theory suggesting
that, instead of solving a pre-defined
problem, learners must be subjected to
generating their own learning by:
– Generating their own problems
– And then solving them…
GLT Main Points
 Theoretical
– Closely related to
constructivism
– Strategies are similar to
cooperative learning
– Explore perspectives
– Build upon prior knowledge
– Actively generate ideas
– 4 Elements: Recall,
Integration, Organization,
Elaboration
 Practical
– Brainstorm
– Categorize
– KWL chart
– Team teaching
– Construct mental
models/concept maps
– Generate subproblems, sub-goals,
and strategies for
achieving a larger task
Key Player in GLT
Merlin C. Wittrock
Wittrock@ucla.edu
http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/pages/wittrock.html
•The reader works not only to make a connection between
the content being read and his or her prior knowledge.
•The reader must also reorganize that prior knowledge by
taking into account the information gained from reading.
“The generative model is a model of teaching of comprehension
and the learning of the types of relations that learners must
construct between stored knowledge, memories of experience, and
new information for comprehension to occur, Wittrock, 1991.”
Instructional Design Implications
 Increases, increases, increases…
– active engagement in learning
– comprehension for both high and low ability students
– achievement without additional time, equipment or materials
– voluntary sustained attention
– students’ metacognitive skills
 As long as inform the learners that learning…
– is a generative process
– begins with believing in themselves
 And identify…
– learners’ models, preconceptions, learning strategies and
styles, attitudes, beliefs that are relevant
– learners’ self control strategies (metacognitive)
GLT Incorporated into the
Dick and Carey Model
Which steps? How?
Designers could incorporate GLT when
developing their instructional strategies and
instructional materials.
This could accomplished with KWL charts,
graphic organizers, journals and anecdotes.
Five Interesting GLT Websites
 http://watservl.uwaterloo.ca/~acpalmer/grab
owski.html
 http://www.readingcenter.buffalo.edu/center
/research/gencom.html
 http://www.itis.gov.se/publikationer/eng/hal
mstad.pdf
Five Interesting Books
(from the USA Library)
Key to effective learning.
Increasing student learning through
multimedia projects.
Classroom strategies for learning.
Designing Computer-Based Learning
Materials.
Digital Game-Based Learning
Something old, something new…
 Something Old- Merlin C. Wittrock
 Something New- learning can happen
through the direction of a learners own
cognitive processes
 Hmmmm….sounds like Constructivism