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Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to

Explain why learning psychology is a complex field of study.

Identify variables that may affect successful processing of information.

Evaluate the applicability of evolving frameworks to foundational learning theory.

Understand ethical considerations associated with applied learning psychology.

Identify careers that apply learning psychology.

3The of
Learning

Michelle Rosser-Majors, PhD—Ashford

University

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James Maddox is the lead case manager for the county department of human services. A new platform for
documenting client cases is about to be implemented across the department and James must train all of his case
managers to successfully use the system. As he brainstorms training ideas, he recalls the psychology of learning
class he took when he was earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He knows that the training must
communicate the crucial components of the new platform, but he also knows that how he communicates these
components, that is, the design of the training, may be even more important. It is essential that the training be
effective and engaging. He knows that there are many variables that can affect effective knowledge acquisition
and that individuals have complex and diverse learning preferences. He also recalls the different theories that
suggest best practices for helping one’s self, as well as others, to learn more effectively. Based on this, he designs
what he hopes will be an engaging training that will appeal to many different types of learners and result in
long-term knowledge acquisition.

James’s situation reminds us that learning is a part of our everyday lives, whether personal or professional, and
also reminds us of the importance of knowing how to effectively support learning opportunities for ourselves and
for others. Consider the following questions that might guide James in developing a more successful training
event:

What theories of learning can support the development of training materials?
What strategies could be utilized to encourage successful learning?
How can James learn more about his case managers to better design the training?
How might the diversity of his team create stumbling blocks during the training? How might it enhance
the training process?