Cracking the 6-Step Learning Code

Learning is a complex and dynamic process that shapes our understanding of the world. It’s a journey of discovery and growth, where we constantly adapt to new situations and challenges. For example, just the other day, we learned that Natalie Imbruglia’s 1997 debut single, “Torn,” is actually a cover song. Talk about a journey!

But have you ever wondered how we actually learn? What happens inside our minds when we acquire new knowledge and skills?

Much like our grieving process over the origins of “Torn,” learning is not a linear path but a recursive and multifaceted journey. Each step in the learning code builds upon the previous one, creating a cycle of continuous growth and development.

Why should you care about this? By following the 6-step learning code, instructional designers can tap into learners' innate tendencies, like attention, encoding, and retrieval, to maximize learning outcomes. This understanding enables designers to create engaging and memorable learning experiences that enhance knowledge retention and transfer.

Now let’s make like Nic Cage in “National Treasure” and crack this code!

Step 1: Novel situations or challenges trigger the learner's prior experience

Learning begins when we encounter something new, a novel situation, or a challenge that sparks our curiosity. These new experiences act as triggers, activating our prior knowledge and experiences. Our brains are wired to make connections, and when faced with something unfamiliar, we instinctively search for something familiar to make sense of it! Geez, our brains are cool. Gross, but cool.

This first step sets the stage for the rest of the learning code. Think back to a time when you encountered a new concept or task. Maybe it was learning to ride a bike or trying to understand a complex math equation (ew). In those moments, your brain drew upon your prior experiences to make sense of the new information. This connection between past and present is what propels us forward in our learning journey.

For example, when learning a new language, you may rely on your knowledge of your native tongue to grasp the meaning of unfamiliar words. This is actually how we became fluent speakers of Klingon. This bridging of old and new experiences forms the foundation for the next step in the learning code. tlhIngan maH!

Step 2: Prior experience shapes or refines the learner's mental model

Once our prior experiences are activated, our minds begin to shape or refine a mental model. A mental model is our internal representation of how we perceive and understand the world. It’s like a blueprint that guides our thinking and actions. Through the lens of our mental model, we interpret and make sense of new information.

Imagine you’re learning to play a tuba. Your prior experience with other instruments or music theory helps you form a mental model of how the instrument works, the notes, and the techniques involved. As you learn more, your mental model evolves and becomes more refined, enabling you to understand and perform more complex pieces. You should hear us rip on “Hot Cross Buns,” by the way.

Our mental models are not fixed and rigid; they’re flexible and adaptable. They change and grow as we acquire new knowledge and experiences.

Step 3: A mental model guides the learner's behaviors or actions

Armed with a mental model, we are now ready to take action. Our mental model guides our behaviors and actions, determining how we approach and interact with the world. It acts as a compass, pointing us in the right direction and helping us navigate through challenges and uncertainties.

Do you remember learning how to drive a car? Woof, that was pretty intense, wasn’t it? Without realizing it, your mental model of how a car operates, the rules of the road, and the mechanics of driving inform your actions behind the wheel. Your mental model guides you as you step on the gas pedal, turn the steering wheel, and apply the brakes. It provides a framework for your behavior and allows you to adapt to different driving conditions.

Our mental models influence not only our actions but also our decision-making processes. They help us anticipate and predict outcomes, enabling us to make informed choices. As we do this, we gain a multifaceted experience, which is the focus of the next step in the learning code.

Just don’t ask us the specifics of how a car works. We still don’t know.

Step 4: Behaviors or actions promote the learner's multifaceted experience

Learning is not a passive process; it requires active engagement and participation. Womp womp! Just kidding.

Behaviors or actions promote a multifaceted experience where we explore, experiment, and make connections. It’s through these experiences that we deepen our understanding and broaden our perspectives.

Consider the process of learning to cook. By actively engaging in cooking techniques, trying out different recipes, and experimenting with flavors, you gain a multifaceted experience. You learn what works and what doesn't, discovering new combinations and refining your culinary skills. This hands-on experience is crucial for making food that doesn’t taste like absolute garbage. So we’ve been told.

Plus, a multifaceted experience allows us to make connections between different domains and disciplines. Maybe you mastered cooking and decided to experiment with baking, using all that juicy knowledge to crack the cookie and cake code.

It’s through these connections that innovation and creativity thrive. As we engage in diverse experiences, our mental models become more complex, paving the way for the next step in the learning code.

Step 5: A multifaceted experience increases the learner's mental model complexity

With each multifaceted experience, our mental models grow in complexity. As we encounter new information and make connections, our understanding becomes more nuanced and sophisticated. This expanded mental model allows us to tackle more intricate challenges and adapt to a wider range of situations. We’re fancy and important now!

Imagine you are learning to solve complex math problems (ew). Through practice and exposure to various types of problems, your mental model of mathematical concepts becomes more intricate. You start to see patterns, make connections between different theories, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. This increased complexity equips you to handle more advanced mathematical challenges. Hey, it seemed to work for Russell Crowe in “A Beautiful Mind,” and we are absolutely no different from him in any way. We’re also sMrt.

Our mental models are not stagnant entities; they are constantly evolving. They are shaped by our experiences, insights, and interactions with the world. This adaptability and growth are what enable us to continue learning and thriving in an ever-changing environment.

Step 6: The mental model complexity helps the learner to adapt to more novel situations or challenges

Finally, armed with a complex and adaptable mental model, we are well-prepared to tackle more novel situations or challenges. The intricate web of connections formed within our mental model allows us to navigate uncharted territories and make sense of the unknown.

Think about how you approach a new project or a problem in your personal life. Your mental model, honed through prior experiences and a multifaceted learning journey, enables you to adapt and find creative solutions. It empowers you to think critically, analyze situations from different angles, and take calculated risks.

The learning code is a continuous cycle, with each step reinforcing and building upon the others. As we encounter new experiences, our mental models are shaped and refined, guiding our actions and behaviors. These actions promote multifaceted experiences, which in turn increase the complexity of our mental models. This complexity equips us to adapt to more novel situations and challenges, starting the cycle over again!

Conclusion

Learning is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. The six-step learning code provides a roadmap for understanding how we acquire knowledge and skills. It highlights the recursive nature of the learning process, emphasizing the importance of prior experiences, mental models, behaviors, multifaceted experiences, and mental model complexity.

So, the next time you’re designing a learning experience, remember the learning code. By understanding this code, instructional designers gain a deeper understanding of how learners acquire knowledge and skills, allowing them to create tailored and impactful experiences.

Embrace novel situations, allow your prior experiences to shape your understanding, let your mental model guide your actions, and actively seek out multifaceted experiences.

We also recommend multi-fauceted experiences. Like one of those showers with eight heads. That’s livin’!

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