Learning Theories
In the field of teaching and learning, in order to design, develop, and implement a course, the teacher must apply some learning theories to optimize student learning such as cognitivist, constructivist, socio-constructivist, and situated learning theory. In cognitivist theory, the learning process is related to receiving, organizing, storing, and retrieving (Clark, 2018). In terms of constructivist theory, knowledge construction is associated with students connecting new knowledge with previous knowledge and skills (Piaget, 1973). In terms of socio-constructivist theory, social interaction plays an important role in the construction of knowledge with collaborative learning at the heart of the learning process (Vygotsky, 1978). Vygotsky’s concept of “zone of proximal development” helps the teacher to analyze the students’ needs based on the intended learning outcomes, design, and implement the online course. In terms of learning transfer, situated learning is used to create meaningful learning activities. Lave & Wenger (1991) stated that learning tasks should be situated, and embedded in an activity, context, and culture.